A community project aimed at restoring neglected green belts around Westdene is giving residents safer spaces to walk, cycle, exercise and enjoy nature. The Westdene Neighbourhood Association (WNA) began working on the project in 2024 after several green belts bordering the suburb had deteriorated and became unsafe.

The association wanted to reclaim the areas for residents and visitors and approached the Mangaung Metro Municipality about taking responsibility for their upkeep.

The WNA subsequently adopted the green belts through the metro’s Adopt-a-Park policy and submitted proposals on how they could be managed and protected. This led to the establishment of the Westdene Park Conservancy, WNA member Michael Deutschmann said.

The conservancy includes three areas: Gem Vale, between General Hertzog Road and Albrecht Street; Reservoir Island, between Albrecht Street and Happy Valley Drive; and Happy Valley. Together they provide a natural corridor close to several Bloemfontein schools and residential areas.

Many nearby schools have mountain biking, trail-running, and cross-country programmes, making safer outdoor spaces particularly useful for young athletes. The rehabilitated areas also give residents somewhere to escape the bustle of the city and enjoy natural surroundings close to home, Deutschmann said.

Fundraising initiatives have helped the conservancy fence parts of the green belts and install access gates. Community-supported clean-up operations have also continued for almost a year, while work has included removing invasive plants and rehabilitating natural habitats.

Michael Deutschmann. Photo supplied

The conservancy has also reintroduced wildlife, including springbok and tortoises. Heritage Day will give residents an opportunity to see the work for themselves and rediscover green spaces that many people have driven past for years without visiting, Deutschmann said.

“Bring your bicycle, bring your walking shoes, walk through the spaces, visit the area and really come to appreciate what we’ve been missing out on by not visiting the green belts,” he said.

Activities will include a picnic, walking, cycling and exploring the green belts. The event will also give residents an opportunity to meet one another and learn more about the conservancy and its plans for protecting and maintaining the area.

Visitors will eventually require membership to enter the conservancy, while a system is being developed to give first-time visitors access. The aim is to keep the spaces secure while still giving more Bloemfontein residents an opportunity to experience them, Deutschmann said.

OFM News/Siyakholwa Mbatyazwa sm

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