The Wilds were abandoned by the people of Johannesburg due to fear of crime, overgrown areas and general lack of upkeep, but an Artist had a goal to reclaim them and has since created our very own “central park” and it has since become a safe haven for Joburgers.
Johannesburg, South Africa (25 April 2022) – James Delaney – the artist who reclaimed the Wilds and turned it into Joburg’s very own Central Park – needs our help to upgrade the facilities, and the community is rallying together to raise funds.
The Wilds Nature Reserve (The Wilds) has transformed from an unkempt green space that fell into steady decline – earning a bad reputation for being a haven for criminal activity – to one of the City’s most popular escapes to experience scenic views.
Delaney, who lives a few meters from the historic park in Houghton, has been involved in its revitalisation and upkeep for over eight years. He officially adopted The Wilds four years ago.
“The Wilds is an extraordinary piece of land with so much to offer; a lot of history, amazing architecture, stonework, and a great plant collection, to name a few. I liken it to Central Park in New York [because] it’s our Joburg Central Park, our beauty in the City,” he says, describing his favourite hangout spot.
Sandwiched between Killarney and Houghton in northern Joburg, The Wilds holds about 40 acres of indigenous South African plants, placed over the last 90 years, and was set up in the 1930s. The park neighbours downtown Joburg, making it easily accessible for the many residents who are interested in visiting.
Delaney’s involvement in the park started when he realised that the green piece of land near his home was derelict and needed a caring hand. This was around the time he had just bought a Labrador named Pablo, who needed somewhere to be walked, which was further motivation for him to get involved in efforts to spruce up the park. He started the project to clean up The Wilds by trimming overgrown plants, removing dead wood, and clearing the pathways on his own. He was later joined by other volunteers and was able to employ a few people to help him with fixing the park.
In addition to restoring The Wilds, Delaney designed and created metal sculptures to attract people back to it, including 67 owls, one life-size kudu, a life-size giraffe, two ostriches, and all kinds of bokkies, which together make up about 100 sculptures dotted around the green space.
“The sculptures are cut-outs of metal and are either painted or coated. Those sculptures have since become sort of park landmarks. People visit the park to see them. The sculptures are also very social media-friendly and have helped us market the park,” he says.
But the artist is now calling on Joburgers to dig deep and rally together to help to upgrade the facilities!
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“The Wilds in Houghton, Johannesburg has been a park since the 1930s and was declared a national monument in 1981. The park became overgrown in the ’80s and ’90s but has been restored in recent years into the safe and beautiful park that it is today. Help us to continue to improve and beautify The Wilds by creating a wheelchair-accessible pathway, planting more indigenous plants, restoring the water features, and many more projects!”
Delaney launched the crowdfund over the weekend, and it is already gaining traction online!
Can you trust Friends of The Wilds with your money? The proof is in the pudding and so much has already been done so you can be sure that your money will be well spent.
Here is where your money will go:
- R80 000 as seeding for the accessible pathway and sensory garden project
- R30 000 for trees and flowering plants
- R20 000 for general improvements
- R20 000 for the water features
You can track the progress of the projects on our Friends of The Wilds Facebook page, or in the park itself!
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