Gillooly’s Farm: Nostalgia and Ducks,

So after my first draft of this post, I went through my photos (as I do)…all very methodical (as I am), and realised I needed to redo it.

Gillooly’s Farm is personal….it’s is stitched into my family's history.

Back when my sons Salt and Pepper were tiny humans (and not opinionated adults), this was our go-to spot..

Picnics on the grass.

Feeding ducks at the dam.

Even a 13th birthday party at the restaurant that used to sit proudly overlooking the water.

But I have not been there for years. You know.....life happened.

But also noise. You know the kind - that background static that breeds paranoia about safety, upkeep, and whether you’ll return home with both shoes.

I knew the restaurant had closed ages ago.

I knew there was (or still is?) a Park-run.

I knew there were the good Samaritans getting involved at a stage.

And I knew there were opinions.

So naturally, I decided to go see for myself...I mean for us...I went for us.

You’re welcome.

Safety Concerns, Google Searches, and “The Vagrants”

My original plans for this trail didn’t happen.

My hiking buddy had heard all the rumours about Gillooly’s Farm, and while I’m perfectly happy being mildly irresponsible for myself, I don’t gamble with my preciouses.

But on the very last day of 2025, Pepper and I had already done a short walk at Bishop Bird Park. We had some energy left, and a craving for something a little extra.

But Pepper being one of said preciouses, I did the responsible thing and Googled.

What came up?

Poor maintenance.

What didn’t come up?

Anything concrete about actual safety issues.

The whispers all seemed to circle back to “the vagrants.” 

And here’s where I may lose some of you:

I’ve always believed that the "vagrants" aren’t the people committing crimes - they’re just trying to exist.

Like us, but with fewer advantages.

Not trying to start a political bonfire here, and I sincerely hope I don't choke on these words one day.

But for now, that’s where I stand.

Gillooly’s Farm felt symbolic. It’s part of our story.

So we went.

Am I sorry?

Absolutely not.

Gillooly’s Farm Today

The lack of maintenance hits you immediately.

But honestly, when I looked back at the photos, I realised it wasn’t nearly as dismal as my draft suggested.

I’ve visited so many urban and suburban parks lately that are clearly loved - by communities, Joburg Parks, or the city itself

I have been very forgiving.

December rains. “Dezemba” chaos. Suburban parks struggling across Gauteng - I get it.

This might just be that.

And really, it’s only fair I give Gillooly’s the same benefit of the doubt - which is why I rewrote the post.

But the fact remains, that this falls under Ekurhuleni, where even the suburbs are barely maintained by council anymore.

Communities sometimes have to mow their own verges.

Good Samaritans are the unsung heroes.

If council won’t maintain suburbs, there’s no chance in hell they’re maintaining a suburban park.

What’s Still There (And Why It Hurts)

Here’s the thing with Gillooly’s - it could surpass most urban parks if someone simply gave a damn.

It’s massive

There’s a dam (sadly littered in parts), but still showcasing ducks and a little waterfall.

The kids’ play area is still in great condition

Picnic spots with braai stands are intact and clean

There’s a farmhouse and old restaurant begging for revival

So yes, here’s a news flash no one asked for but everyone already knows:

The real criminals aren’t hanging around the park - they’re lounging in offices, counting their paychecks, and spectacularly failing the very tax-paying residents funding their neglect.

Would I say don’t go?

No.

It’s just… sad.

Because honestly?

It wouldn’t take much for council to restore it to its former glory.

But they won’t.

Trail Information

AREA

Bedfordview

COST

Free

Trail Details

TRAIL DIFFICULTY

Easy

TRAIL LENGTH

Whatever you choose, we did about 2 km, mostly around the dam.

You can extend the walk up the hill, but the "static" in my head won - so we didn’t.

And now it’s haunting me… tapping on my “maybe we shoulda” door.

Maybe next time I’ll answer.

TRAIL MARKERS

None - but none needed

ABLUTIONS

We did not use them, but if you read the reviews it is just as well.

SAFE FREE PARKING

NOTE TO SELF

Curiosity is not recklessness. Fear just has better marketing.

FAMILY FRIENDLY

Yes

PET FRIENDLY

Yes

ON A FINAL NOTE

If you’re nearby, have dogs, want space, and understand what you’re walking into - it’s actually lovely. For dogs. For humans. For peace.

Worth visiting? Yes - just don’t expect perfection.

And maybe, leave a little hope behind.

(TO)SOLO OR (NO)SOLO

(NO)SOLO