Western

The Western Branch of the Parks Department comprises of the following suburbs : West Riding, Sparks Estate, Asherville, Sydenham, Clare Estate, Parlock, Bakerville Gardens, Newlands East and West and Kwa Mashu. The area is mainly residential in nature with the only major commercial area being the Umgeni Business Park complex.

Several regional parks, designed mainly to cater for the local communities, have been developed throughout the area and these are listed below together with a brief description of each one.

PAFARO PARK
Thrasher Place, Newlands East
Very popular meeting place for the Newlands East community, this park has water features, braai and picnic areas, a children's playlot, tennis courts as well as perennial and annual display beds.

VALLEYDALE PARK
Valleydale Road, Newlands West
This was the first major park development in Newlands West which started some 10 years ago and which has now matured into a well established park suited ideally for passive recreational purposes. Braai facilities, picnic areas, seating and perennial flower beds are provided.

SYDENHAM CENTRAL PARK
Randles Road, Sydenham
A much needed ‘Green Lung" in this high density residential area of Sydenham, this park boasts two large ponds, well manicured lawns as well as colourful perennial flower beds. Also provided here are braai and seating areas as well as public toilets. Very well utilized by the local community for picnics, birthday parties etc.

PUFARO PARK RIVER TRAIL
Chimera Place, Newlands East
A recently completed D’MOSS project in Newlands East, where a 1,2 km nature trail has been developed in the natural valley area along John Dory Drive and Chimera Place. The trail starts at the established Pufaro Park, follows the meandering stream along the valley and culminates at developed picnic sites in Chimera Place. This area is rich in indigenous vegetation and birdlife and in addition blue duiker and bush pigs have been spotted. Snakes, mongooses and monkeys also thrive here. The trail offers visitors a close up view of a natural bushland/grassland/riverine habitat as well as providing a valuable resource for educators and learners from local schools. Also provided here are braai facilities, seating and a fully equipped children’s playlot.

KWA MASHU - "G" SECTION OPEN SPACE
Malendela Road
A large track of open space is presently being developed into a park. Large numbers of trees and shrubs have been planted, braai facilities provided, a children’s playlot has been constructed and a water feature is presently being built. Development work here is on-going.

SPORTS FACILITIES
Major sports facilities catering for soccer, cricket and hockey can be found at Tarndale Road - Asherville; Stromia Road - Parlock and John Dory Drive - Newlands East. A major multi-purpose sports complex which will eventually comprise of a cricket oval, 2 soccer fields, athletic track, tennis court, netball and volleyball courts is nearing completion at Newcentre Drive - Newlands West.