Lonehill Park and Dam: A Suburban Walk with Excellent Energy

After wrapping up the Ark Park Walk, Basil (Boris’s two-legged friend), Boris, and I decided we were not done yet.

When life gives you a short walk, you do a double dipper. Naturally.

So Basil suggested Lonehill Park and Dam - conveniently close and screaming, “Come on, you know you want to sneak another stroll.”

A Suburban Park That Knows Exactly What It Is

Lonehill Park is one of those suburban green spaces that quietly does everything right.

It’s ideal if you’re walking a dog, escaping your house, or just need fresh air without committing to a full-blown hike or a hydration pack.

It sits cheek-to-cheek with Lonehill Koppie (yes, yes, I’ll get there too dammit - it’s been on my list forever).

There is a peaceful dam and manicured green lawns, perfect for small picnics and chilling.

And my gush-worthy highlight: the same adorable little “trust library” we spotted at the Johannesburg Botanical Gardens

It’s clean, calm, and very obviously loved - which, as it turns out, is not accidental.

Community Magic

The Lonehill Residents Association deserves praise.

The Trust Library

Walk in, and it’s clear: someone actually gives a damn.

The park feels safe, welcoming, and cared for.

There’s a helpful and friendly security guard on duty.

We asked about the koppies, and we got actual helpful answers.

Ten out of ten, would interrogate again.

Walking Trails That Magically Multiply

Technically, Lonehill Park has a trail that runs from one side to the other.

Realistically? You’ll finish it before you blink.

And yet… somehow… we managed to walk nearly three kilometres.

This is because the park has that “oh look, what’s over there” energy. Little paths appear. Grassy detours beckon. Scenic pauses happen.

It’s sneaky like that.

The “Is This Still the Park?” Extension

We did an extended version of the walk by crossing the road to what appeared to be an extension of Lonehill Park.

Was it officially part of the park? Hard to say.

It wasn’t as polished, lacked signage, but was still pleasant. Think: the park’s scruffy, well-meaning cousin.

Walking Your Dog at Lonehill Park (Yes, On Lead)

Don’t let Boris hear me say this, but this is not an off-lead park.

Tragic.

Heartbreaking.

A true test of character.

That said, Boris had already spent his morning running free like a woodland creature at Ark Park, so he behaved like an absolute gentleman on lead. No dramatics. No protests. No attempted negotiations.

If you’re looking for a relaxed, polite walk - this park works beautifully.

Coffee Stops

There’s a dog-friendly coffee shop you can access directly from the park, and it looked extremely tempting.

However, we opted for the coffee caravan at the front, which was equally excellent.

Cappuccinos in hand, we claimed a bench and chatted about our morning, while Boris did what he does best - stared adoringly at his mom like she personally invented happiness.

Ridiculously adorable....

slightly manipulative....

highly effective.

Final Verdict: Worth the Visit

Whether you have a dog, a family, a friend or none of the aforesaid, Lonehill Park and Dam is absolutely worth a visit.

Would I walk it solo? Possibly - especially if I lived nearby.

It has a good energy.

Calm energy.

Family-friendly energy.

The kind that makes you breathe deeper, linger longer, and accidentally walk further than intended.

And honestly? That’s the best kind of park.