Preserving Heritage.
Securing the Future.

We dedicate ourselves to introducing current and successive generations to a culture of conservation.

Our Vision

Our vision is that all visitors should be able to enjoy a safe and secure experience in the Park. This can only happen if we build an awareness and appreciation of the Park and other public lands and waters.

We are dedicated to the creation and ongoing maintenance of a safe and secure environment for park users.

Our Mission

To invest and secure investment into projects and programmes that benefit the sustainability, environmental protection, safety, and security of the Park.

This includes essential infrastructure for perimeter fencing, advanced technology, professional guarding, and the protection of wetlands and local flora.

Park scenery showcasing lush greenery

Our Journey

A historical ledger tracking the transformation of the park and the milestones of our Foundation.

Before 2019

James and Ethel Gray Park had fallen into severe decline, facing environmental degradation, illegal occupation, crime, dumping, and the loss of safe public access.

16 December 2018

Sunil Geness led a pivotal walk-through of the park with City and JCPZ representatives, helping confirm the urgent need for intervention.

2019

A community meeting with local residents' associations laid the groundwork for a formal, coordinated restoration effort.

September 2019

The James and Ethel Gray Park Foundation was formally established as a registered non-profit organisation.

2019

The Foundation was launched alongside the ClearVu Fencing Project, marking the start of a major safety and security transformation.

2019–2020

The park perimeter was progressively secured through the ClearVu fencing project, eventually creating a fully fenced park.

2020–2021

During the COVID-19 lockdown period, the park became an essential safe green space for residents.

27 October 2021

The completed fencing project was formally unveiled with the late Executive Mayor Mpho Moerane, whose support helped secure 24-hour guarding for the park.

Post-2021

The Foundation's work expanded in influence, supporting park rehabilitation efforts in neighbouring communities.

By 2026

James and Ethel Gray Park had been transformed into a safe, active, professionally maintained urban park, with more than R45 million in direct investment and a wider estimated impact exceeding R10 billion.

Core Values

The guiding principles that shape our conservation efforts and community partnerships.

Integrity We operate with unwavering honesty, transparency, and fairness. Our community trusts us to uphold our commitments.
Respect We foster a culture of deep respect for every individual, both within our Foundation and across the communities we serve.
Inclusivity We embrace the full spectrum of society, ensuring our spaces and initiatives are welcoming and accessible to all.
Empathy We listen and act with compassion, deeply committed to building a brighter, sustainable future for generations to come.
Innovation We proactively challenge the status quo, seeking creative and effective solutions to improve our park and its ecosystems.
Passion We are deeply committed in heart and mind, driven by an enduring love for our natural spaces.
Diversity We celebrate differences, knowing our strength lies in the diverse ideas, cultures, and backgrounds of our community and partners.
Professionalism We hold ourselves to the highest ethical and operational standards, ensuring accountability and excellence in all we do.
Partnerships We cultivate strong, collaborative relationships with our stakeholders, recognizing that shared success amplifies our impact.

The Board

Dedicated leaders ensuring the sustainability and security of our park.

Bruce Bernstein

Bruce Bernstein

Board Member

Get Involved Today

Join us in our mission to create a safer, sustainable environment for everyone. Your support makes a direct impact.