As part of the 40 Acts of Kindness for 40 years of OFM, Michael Deutschmann joined Yolanda Maartens to talk about the Westdene Park Conservancy in Bloemfontein. This initiative invites you to be kind to nature and to be kind to your neighbourhood. 

You can get involved by making an annual contribution to keep the green belts in the area protected and clean – safe for families, friends, and furry friends.

More than just a park

Kindness isn’t always a grand gesture; sometimes, it’s the quiet work of restoring a landscape so that everyone can breathe a little easier. The Westdene Neighbourhood Association (WNA) is currently proving this by moving into the next phase of the Westdene Park Conservancy project.

Following the successful establishment of the conservancy in 2025, the team is now looking across Albrecht Street to expand their reach. The goal is to bring Reservoir Island and Happy Valley under the same umbrella of care and protection.

Expanding a conservancy is an act of environmental stewardship, but it’s also a deeply human one. WNA general manager and conservancy chairperson Michael Deutschmann explained this next phase involves a massive cleanup and rehabilitation effort.

The association is focused on rehabilitating the land by removing refuse and waste to restore the natural health of the soil. They are also working closely with local law enforcement to address illegal structures and implement access control, all while embarking on a fundraising journey to secure R750,000 for fencing to ensure these areas remain protected “green lungs” for the city.

Kindness matters

When we look after our local green spaces, we aren’t just planting trees – we are creating a sanctuary. By clearing litter and securing these areas, the WNA is removing health risks and providing a safe haven where residents can walk their dogs, kids can play, and the community can reconnect with the outdoors.

“The plan is to continue to clean, maintain, and rehabilitate the areas whilst fundraising to fence the areas and create safe spaces through the implementation of access control,” said Deutschmann.

Contribute

If you have a heart for Bloemfontein and want to contribute to this growing legacy of kindness, there are several ways to get involved. You can become a member of the Friends of Westdene Park or make a donation that goes directly toward the R750,000 goal for fencing and ongoing maintenance.

Follow the journey on Facebook at Westdene Park to see the progress of these green belts, or contact Deutschmann. Let’s be kind to our neighborhood and ensure the beauty of Westdene is preserved for the next 40 years and beyond.

OFM dg