Ernest Ullman Park
A pleasant river walk with many amenities surrounded by a
plethora of gated communities. There is a child and dog friendly
restaurant in the park so bring some money.
   
Directions: The park is deeply
embedded in the gated community capital of Joburg. From Bowling
Avenue, turn west at the traffic light into Blackford Road. Turn
left at the t-junction with Ridgeway Road and 1st right into
Elza Lane. At Murrey Ave turn right and immediately left into
Minto Road to the car park at the end of the road.
Dog Friendliness: Technically all dogs should be on lead, but
the management of the park don't mind as long as the dogs are
not dangerous and are under control.
Walk Time: Under 1 hour.
Parking: Safe and shaded parking next to the Community Centre.
Safety: Pretty safe in the main central area where there are
roaming security guards. However be careful along the river walk
to the south and north.
Facilities: Toilets (men bring your own loo paper), tap water,
Community Centre (the office is open during office hours) and
kids playground equipment.
There is also a new restaurant that is due to open in April
2004. It will serve food from around the world and dogs are
welcome at the outside tables when on a lead.
Water: The river is polluted, so it may be better not to let
your dog swim in it. There are taps for drinking water.
The Walk: Keep your dog on a lead in the car park. Walk between
the buildings next to the car park and you will pop out into a
large grassed area. Let your dog off the lead here. The new
restaurant is the thatched building to your left about 50 m
away. Walk across the grass aiming for the right hand (northern)
corner and continue down to the Sandspruit.
In the right hand corner, there is a path leading down the short
bank to the river. You can follow the river downstream on the
other side past several houses. However, there are some
unrestrained big dogs that may cause your dog and you some
trouble. It is safe to boulder hop for about 50 m before you
encounter the 1st dogs. Have a look around and then return to
the grassy bank in the park.
Walk upstream (south) along the river bank. Note the sign
warning that the water is polluted. After about 600 m, you leave
the wide open area and start walking along a single track
leading through the riverine vegetation. It alternates between
shady trees and vines, and open grassland.
After a kilometre or so you will see the South Street bridge.
You can walk under the bridge and continue further along the
river, but I found that there were people living in the bush on
the other side. They were using the underside of the bridge as a
toilet and it was pretty unpleasant, especially if your dog
likes to eat or roll in human pooh. Turn around and retrace your
steps back to the restaurant for some refreshments.
Watch Out For: Some broken glass, polluted river water, humans
living and messing near the bridge, and uncontrolled dogs
downstream of the park.
More Info: Recreation Centre 802-3309/6921,
www.ullmannpark.co.za. Phillipe Dubrai, In-Tea-Mate Coffee Shop
082-418-3354.
© Dogwalk Publications -
14 January 2008
|
