Golden Harvest Park: It’s Free, It’s Close… So Why Haven’t You Gone Yet?

jeeksparties8
Jun 18
3 min read

This was to be a long weekend of celebrations for me. First ? My "Back Off" Day (Yes, it’s a real day. No, you can’t trademark it.)

Second? Father’s Day. And let me tell you — no one feels the emotional weight of Father’s Day quite like mothers who had to wing the whole “dad” thing—with zero notice, manual or a help desk to call.

That was full-blown DIY — duct tape, sarcasm, and a prayer - am I right ladies??

Shame, really… poor Salt and Pepper. Less “beloved offspring,” more “accidental case study.” But hey, they’re upright, mostly functional, and only mildly traumatized. That’s a win in my book.

But before all the wholesome family bonding, the weekend kicked off with a little pre-game hike — a warm-up, if you will.

Chilli, one of only two friends ever brave (or foolish) enough to hike with me (once), showed up for a long-overdue reunion walk. And since it was my Back Off celebration, she was graciously bestowing me with her presence — like a benevolent queen.

Honestly, her name was one ghosted RSVP away from being permanently removed from the spice rack.

Now, Chilli is basically me in a city girl form — intense, OCD, and absolutely allergic to standing still. But unlike me, she’s not there to smell the roses. She’s there to race past them like she owes them money. Luckily, Golden Harvest Park is built for this kind of Type A nature-meets-urban chaos: flat, easy, and scenic.

She got to dash. I got to snap Win-win.

Well done to Johannesburg Parks for keeping this gem in tip-top shape. It's ideal for picnics, braais, casual strolls, and novice hikes that won’t end in tears or twisted ankles.

And for dog parents — especially those with overly enthusiastic companions — this is a five-paw experience. Off-leash friendly, provided your pup plays nice.

Bottom line: Golden Harvest Park is where urban stress goes to die.

Regarding markings....there were none. There are no trails. By the time I asked the 20th person where the trails were, and they gave me the same confused look as the first nineteen, I stopped asking. We just walked.

Now, this obsessive hunt for a "trail" was 100% Chilli's fault. Her inner project manager couldn’t fathom how a park walk could exist without a clearly marked route.

Poor sweet Chilli. What she doesn’t know is that not all parks have trails. But also, when you hike with the Hag, even if there is a designated and well marked trail, there’s a 50/50 chance we're winging it.

What actually matters is simple — you move your body, you breathe in some nature and you remember you’re alive. Beauty? Check. Peace? Check.