​The City's recreational parks will open to the public on Wednesday, 15 July, to allow residents to keep fit and healthy by exercising in close proximity to their homes.

Nature reserves, including the Wilds, Kloofendal, Klipriviersberg, and the Johannesburg Botanical Gardens will only open on Saturday, 1 August to allow for a phased-in approach due to limited resources.
MMC for Community Development, Cllr Margaret Arnolds urges park users to be cautious and vigilant at all times by adhering to the following mandatory requirements:

1. It is compulsory to wear a mask, practice social distancing of a minimum of 3 metres apart
   
2. Picnics, events or gatherings are strictly prohibited
   
3. Ensure that hands are washed and sanitised before entering a city parks facility
4. Exercise only with persons within your household, limited to a maximum of five people
5. Remind children that the use of the gym and play equipment is prohibited
6. Take all disposables home, including empty bottles and paper cups
7. Abide by the by-laws for public open spaces. 

Arnolds says the onus to prevent the spread of the virus remains in the hands of every user.

“Common sense must prevail. If you are feeling unwell, self-isolating or if there are too many users in the park, then protect yourself and your loved ones by remaining safely at home," she says. 

The phasing-in of the opening of conservation areas and nature reserves is due to scarce resources and the need for City Parks and Zoo employees to be issued with proper personal protection, says the MMC.

Park users are urged to carry their own sanitizer and to refrain from sitting on the benches, using the gym-equipment and ablution facilities or depositing refuse in park bins.