James & Ethel Gray Park
Melrose
4.4(3,034)Why families love it
Enclosed toddler play area and second play area for older kids, dog friendly
Before you go
- Dog friendly
- Outdoor - weather dependent
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Google reviews
Regular visitor to this popular park, which is a great large green space in Joburg and relatively safe (considering its Joburg). We especially go to the little kids play area, which is slowly deteriorating into state of disrepair, as it has not been maintained and is becoming a concerning safety risk for little kids (whereas the rest of the park generally seems to be maintained). Not sure where all the money goes from the commercialisation of the park - from the padel/restaurant area and the many concerts/festivals held at the park - but fixing up the little kids play area does not look to be a massive cost project.
I really enjoy visiting James & Ethel Gray Park with my family. It’s the perfect place for relaxing walks, followed by a delicious coffee afterwards. The kids absolutely love it, and the park is truly beautiful. It’s a wonderful spot for families to spend quality time together.
Loveliest park in Sandton. Weekends are dog friendly and super fun to just be present for. Park is super clean and people are friendly. Padel courts are really well kept for outdoor type courts. All in all. Really like the place, and I do visit often.
Always lovely to visit here and walk the dogs. Love that there is great dog owner etiquette fo handling dogs on leashes. Everyone was respectful and courteous. It was so green and lush from all the rains we’ve been having. Even the canal water is running clear - still a faint grey water odour but nothing as bad as it’s been before. My friends German shepherds were very silly and got themselves stuck in the canal, luckily a Good Samaritan helped us to rescue them! We had a tasty Freezo at the padel coffee shop across the road, which is also dog friendly. A lovey mini morning adventure.
I spent time at James & Ethel Grey Park and did an activity at Acrobranch, and honestly, the experience was great. The park itself is beautiful and well kept, a really nice space to be outdoors and enjoy some fresh air. Being surrounded by nature in the middle of the city feels refreshing. Acrobranch was amazing, and what stood out the most was the staff. The workers were very helpful, friendly, and attentive, especially when explaining the activities and making sure everyone felt safe and comfortable. Overall, it’s a great place to visit, whether you’re going for adventure, fun, or just to enjoy the park. I’d definitely recommend it to anyone looking for something active and enjoyable to do in Joburg.
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