Parkhurst community clean-up restores 5th Avenue Park
Residents braved the rain to clean-up the park and remove litter from the spruit, with Praboa already planning the next clean-up for the end of March.
Parkhurst residents and local business owners rolled up their sleeves on March 1 for the first community clean-up of 5th Avenue Park and the Braamfontein Spruit.
The event, organised by the Parkhurst Residents and Business Owners Association (Praboa) in partnership with the 5th Avenue Parkcare group, saw volunteers of all ages tackle litter, remove polystyrene from the river, and restore green spaces affected by illegal dumping.
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Despite the cloudy skies and sudden downpours mid-morning, the mood remained upbeat. “The rain soaked us to the skin, but it didn’t dampen our spirits,” said volunteer Sharon Pearce.
“Walking together through the storm, sharing the load, it really brought home what community is all about.”
The clean-up day also highlighted recent improvements in the park, including a new accessible pathway constructed with recycled pavers, allowing prams, wheelchairs, and mobility devices safer access.
New park signage, sponsored by Nan Roberts Estates, provides visitors with safety information, emergency contacts, and Jozi Trails maps.
Over 13 residents participated, supported by teams from Jozi Trails, the Craighall Residents Association, and Bubele Africa.
Together, they cleared overgrown vegetation, picked up litter, and ensured the park was left in pristine condition.
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“For me, it’s the sense of community that matters most,” reflected Vicky O’Brien, a long-time volunteer. “Meeting new neighbours and seeing the before-and-after difference makes it all worthwhile.”
Being a river, water testing was facilitated during the clean-up, confirming that chemical parameters were within safe limits, though coliform bacteria levels remained high, making the water unsafe to drink.
The results emphasise the importance of ongoing river care and community vigilance.
Praboa is already planning the next clean-up for the last weekend of March, in collaboration with Fine and Country – The Parks and residents. Community members are encouraged to join and help keep Parkhurst’s green spaces safe, welcoming, and thriving.
“Small actions, like picking up litter, make a big difference,” added Pearce.
“It’s about caring for the environment, the water, the trees, and for each other. That’s the spirit of ubuntu in Parkhurst.”
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