The Park in the News
Articles that put a spotlight on the beauty of James and Ethel Gray Park and the work done to maintain it.
Events
Cotlands launches Run to Play at James & Ethel Gray Park
Fun run and walk hosted in the park to raise funds and awareness for early learning, positioning the park as a family-friendly venue for purpose-led fitness.
Community
Fatherhood Files: Xola Ntshinga on family time in the park
Xola recalls weekends at James & Ethel Gray Park with his daughters, highlighting the park as a go-to green space for Joburg families.
Community
Best child-friendly parks in Joburg spotlight James & Ethel Gray Park
Listicle names the park a peaceful family stop with a dedicated play area, reinforcing its role as a safe, central outing.
Community
Holiday ideas include James & Ethel Gray Park
Round-up recommends the park as an easy, scenic day out with space for active families during school break.
Community
Finding a green heaven in Joburg features James & Ethel Gray Park
City Parks overview highlights the park’s river setting, lawns and trails as part of Johannesburg’s flagship green lungs.
Community
iHlathi Melrose-Birdhaven Conservancy to include the park
Community-led conservancy plan links James & Ethel Gray Park and Sandspruit stream to create a protected green corridor.
Community
Park is a revelation after residents clean it up
Column praises the community effort that restored James & Ethel Gray Park’s paths, views and daily running routes.
Community
James & Ethel Gray Park ablution facilities to be upgraded
A donor-funded project will expand capacity, improve accessibility and hygiene, and modernise the ablution block at the park’s lower section.
Community
City Parks cites James & Ethel Gray Park adoption as model
Feature points to the park’s adoption and partnerships as proof that upgrades and community use can scale city-wide.
Community
Father’s Day picnics: James & Ethel Gray Park makes the list
Guide recommends the park’s lawns and easy access for a free, family picnic day in Joburg.
Wildlife
600 trees planted at James & Ethel Gray Park for World Environment Day
City Parks and the Foundation expanded indigenous canopy at the park, underscoring its role in Joburg’s urban ecology.
Events
New developments unveiled at James & Ethel Gray Park
Fencing, 24-hour security and regular clean-ups formalised through public-private partnerships to keep the park safe and welcoming.
Events
Sandspruit clean-up removes six tons of waste in the park
Foundation volunteers cleared the river inside James & Ethel Gray Park to protect local waterways and improve the visitor experience.
Community
NatGeo city guide notes park’s green corridor by Melrose
Travel feature points visitors to James & Ethel Gray Park as part of Joburg’s leafy urban fabric near Melrose.
Community
Foundation spearheads women & girls’ protection at parks
JEGPF and JCPZ partner to boost safety with perimeter fencing, better lighting, clear sightlines and regular volunteer clean-ups.
Community
Foundation chairman urges community to keep park clean
Sunil Geness thanks 150+ volunteers and asks park users to pitch in during Women’s Month clean-ups to keep the park pristine.
Community
Safety of women in Johannesburg parks initiative hailed
Report highlights JEGPF’s volunteer-led safety programme—fencing, lighting and weekly maintenance—as a blueprint for city parks.
Community
Security and cleanliness upgrades coming to the park
Cochrane fencing and partner support to fence and maintain James & Ethel Gray Park, improving safety and access.
Community
The history of James & Ethel Gray Park
Background on the park’s namesakes and community stewardship that keeps the Melrose green space welcoming.