Mushroom Farm Park: Another Urban Dog Friendly Walk

Mushroom Farm Park was not on my prestigious, highly curated list of places I intended to visit someday.

But it was Boxing Day, no actual hiking was happening, and a friend and I needed a lifestyle compromise:

I could pretend I "walked", and she could pretend she "hiked". Balance is important.

So I did what any modern adventurer does and Googled: “place to walk and eat near me.”

Up popped Mushroom Farm Park - a name I vaguely remembered from a radio debate not so long ago… about something.

No idea what.

Zero context.

And what a genuinely pleasant surprise.

Urban Nature

Right in the heart of Sandton, Mushroom Farm Park is calm, green, and oddly serene - all while being hugged by jaw-dropping Sandton buildings that scream urban chic.

Glass, steel, ambition… and then birds, trees, and an unexpected amount of green grass. The contrast is obvious, and it works.

It’s peaceful, has great energy, and somehow makes you feel like you’ve escaped the city… without actually escaping the city.

The walking and running paths are clear and well laid out. So much bigger and better than I anticipated, but still perfectly tailored for the casually committed.

No dramatic inclines.

No trail trauma.

No suffering.

Family-Friendly, Dog-Friendly, Sanity-Friendly

The park is free to enter (nice), on lead dog-friendly, and feels safe and welcoming.

There are big open lawns, shady trees, and well-maintained picnic areas.

The children’s playground is excellent - gated, secure, clean, and clearly loved.

There’s also an impressive oversized chess game that’s aesthetically pleasing and an outdoor gym.

There’s a little honesty library, which I’ve become increasingly accustomed to spotting on my urban adventures - quietly charming, slightly optimistic, and a gentle reminder that people can still be trusted.

Café, Restaurant & the Smell of Heartbreak

It had a container coffee shop with outdoor seating - perfect for post-walk indulgences.

Then there’s Truffles Restaurant, right there on the premises.

Naturally, we decided to spoil ourselves because it was that magical festive window where every decision is justified with “it’s Christmas.”

Unfortunately, Truffles was fully booked. We were shattered. It smelled divine, looked phenomenal, and openly mocked us as we retreated to the Radisson Blu across the road, tails firmly between our legs.

A Few Honest Realities

The park does look a bit rough around the edges right now, likely courtesy of recent rain.

One bridge crossing the river is broken and the grass could definitely use a trim.

Still, nothing that ruins the experience — just nature reminding us who’s actually in charge.

Final Verdict

Mushroom Farm Park is a gem - ideal for walking, kids, dogs, picnics, or just escaping the city.... without actually leaving the city.

Not a hike.

Not even pretending to be one.

Just a solid stroll — and absolutely worth your time..