Community Issues

Things to Do

• Street Festivals in 4th Ave occur several times a year: the most successful and best attended is the candlelit evening in November and Mothers Day in May.
• Mind Body and Soul Fair: Held on the first weekend of every month at the Parkhurst Recreation Centre in 5th Ave. It is open Sat/Sun 10am-5pm. Entrance R10 pp. Breakfast, lunch and snacks available. Tel: Linda 447-1530.
• Miniature Fair organised by the Johannesburg Society of Miniature Enthusiasts is held on the last weekend in August. Open 10am-4pm and there is a small entrance fee. Tel: Leslie 706-6293.
• The Garage: Kathleen Johnston opened “The Garage” in a garage at 91-7th St in 1983 as a meeting place for people. Although it mainly focuses on activities for the elderly, there is no age limit. Among their regular activities are: Friday morning get-togethers where you can play games, watch videos and listen to guest speakers; Saturday afternoon concerts by choirs, soloists or music groups.
• Celeb spotting in the 4th Ave sidewalk restaurants.
• Window shopping along 4th Ave.
• Take a return trip on the 79 bus from Parkhurst to Ghandi Square in downtown Joburg and get a great aerial view of Parkhurst and Joburg.
• Become a nosy neighbour and visit the numerous show houses on Sunday afternoons.
• Walk along the Braamfontein Spruit on the Smelly River Walk and through the streets – cross over the spruit at 12th and then back again on 22nd Streets.
• Visit the library and borrow a book, video or jigsaw puzzle, as well as buy some great honey and home-made rusks.
• Take a class at the Recreation Centre.
• Walk around the suburb in spring and admire the banksias roses and other flowers and newly leaved trees.
• Walk up 20th St in autumn and admire the reddening maples.
• Watch the big sporting events on a big screen at Pirates Sports Club.

Education

Parkhurst Primary: It was opened in 1952 to serve the large numbers Baby Boomer children born in the suburb after the 2nd World War. It soon outgrew its planned size and expanded to encompass two Parkhurst blocks. Since 1994, the school and the suburb seem to have parted ways. Now 98% of the school-children who attend are Black and many are bussed in from other areas. The school still has a good reputation and excellent teachers so it is a pity that the more wealthy residents don't take advantage of a good primary school on their doorstep. Cost is R3000 PA for tuition and there are still some places left in certain grades. The School Hall is also for hire for suitable activities. Tel: 880-3800.

Greenpark Nursery School is a large nursery school on cnr 4th Ave/5th St taking 110 3-6 year old children. There is a waiting list, visitors welcome. Member of ISASA. Contact: Pauline/Joan 442-9128, greenpar@iafrica.com

Little House Montessori is literally in an original little Parkhurst house at 78-18th St. It takes 35 children from ages 3-6 years. There were still a few places available at time of going to press. Contact: Sue Freeman 462-3375, 083-353-9670, fes@telkomsa.net

Little Star Montessori: Next to the Baptist Church in 15th St. They have room for 70 children aged 3-6 years old. There is a waiting list. Look out for their open days. They also operate an afternoon Montessori Training Centre for teachers. Contact: Laurie Parr 880-5819.

Wonderworld Playschool is run by long time Parkhurst resident Lyn Swart at 66-14th St. It is a full day small pre-pre-primary school for kids 18 months to 3 years old. A few spaces are still available at time of going to press. Info: 788-9478.

NOTE: For the children of domestic staff, see the listing under St Pauls Anglican Church.

Medical & Vets

Opticien (Cnr 4th Ave/9th St). Mon-Fri 8am-6pm and Sat 8am-2pm. Special reduced rate for domestic staff. Tel: 447-4613.

Parkhurst Clinic: Located next to the Parkhurst Recreation Hall, cnr 5th Ave/14th St. It serves 12 suburbs and is run by the City Council. It is free to the people who attend it. They offer a Well-baby Clinic, Family Planning, TB Clinic, STD and Curative Services, 7.30am-4pm (but get there before 3pm) Mon-Thu; HIV/Aids Testing and Counselling, 7.30am-4pm Fridays; Podiatry by appointment. Info: 788-1526/7.

Parklands Pharmacy in 4th Ave started trading in 1948 and is one of 2 remaining pharmacies in Parkhurst. Open 8am-6pm Mon-Fri, 8am-1pm Sat. Tel: 788-9307.

Blood Donors: There is always a shortage of blood in Gauteng. The nearest donor clinic is on the 1st Floor, The Colony, cnr Rothesay/Jan Smuts Aves, Craighall Park. Open

The Village Vet in 4th Avenue is open for consultations Mon-Fri 7.30-10am & 3-6pm (open all day for food sales), Sat 8am-noon and Sun 9-10am. Tel: 880.3336. If they are closed there is the Animal Emergency Centre, cnr Welles/Jan Smuts Aves, Parkview, tel: 788-4748. For lost pets, take them to the Village Vet, or after hours go to the Parktown North Vet cnr Jellicoe/Jan Smuts Aves, tel: 447-2517. Herpetologist: Local vet Dr Mark Verseput of The Village Vet in 4th Ave has been collecting reptiles since he was a boy. He has been treating reptiles for 20 years. His advice is that most reptiles in your garden are harmless and it is better to leave them be. But if you are worried give him a call and he will catch it and release it somewhere else. Tel: 880-3336.

Contact the PVRA Environment Chair
Tim Truluck, 072-238-2790,
Tel/Fax: 442-52015201, E-mail

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