Ernest Ullmann Park

Reclaiming Urban Wilderness

 

Ernest Ullmann Park formed a cornerstone of our ambitious vision to weave a network of wildlife corridors through Johannesburg’s residential suburbs—green arteries that reconnect isolated ecosystems and extend nature right into people's gardens.

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Launched in May 2016, this large-scale, multi-faceted initiative marked the beginning of an integrated approach to urban ecological restoration. Project Ullmann Park was not just about rejuvenating a neglected green space—it was about setting a precedent for urban biodiversity by restoring the park to its former glory and embedding it into a broader ecological plan.

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Like many parks in Johannesburg, Ernest Ullmann Park had long been overlooked by City Parks—the government agency tasked with its upkeep—receiving minimal attention and support. But we knew the potential this space held, both as a sanctuary for wildlife and a haven for local communities.

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Understanding the complexities of working within public land, we forged a strategic partnership with Friends of Sandspruit to secure official accreditation from City Parks. This vital step gave us the legitimacy needed to rehabilitate, maintain, and enhance the park in alignment with our long-term conservation goals.

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Project Ullmann Park exemplifies what’s possible when vision meets collaboration. It’s not just a park—it’s a catalyst for change, a model for future urban re-wilding, and a bold step toward re-imagining a city where wildlife and people thrive side by side.