MEDIA STATEMENT
Tuesday, 1 April 2025
No embargo
Seattle Parks and Recreation (USA) and Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo exchange best practices and insights into urban park management.
Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo, the custodians in greening and urban park development in the City of Joburg, held insightful engagements and idea-sharing with a small delegation from Seattle Parks and Recreation (USA) over a two-day visit on 31 March 2025 at the Johannesburg Botanical Gardens and 1 April 2025 in Lenasia.
During the robust discussions on the challenges faced and success stories by both the city of Seattle and Johannesburg, it was clear that initiatives such as these are pertinent to finding lasting and sustainable solutions when considering park development in urban areas. The delegation was particularly interested in understanding City Parks and Zoo’s achievements in implementing sustainable practices, enhancing Joburg’s public open spaces, and its greening initiatives in an overpopulated metropolitan area. Consensus on the restoration and maintenance of forested parklands and designated natural green spaces in both Seattle and Johannesburg, as well as efforts to expand and galvanize an informed, involved, and active community around restoration and stewardship of green lungs, was some of the top of the list of discussions held.
The delegation, with a team from JCPZ, were taken to on the ground projects in Soweto, Lenasia and parts of the city where remarkable progress has been made in planting trees, providing communities with accessible and liveable parks and green spaces and expanding the city’s tree canopy. These initiatives go a long way in ensuring all residents are provided with lasting green spaces, tree vista neighborhoods, and parks for communities in these areas. A tree planting ceremony in Lenasia solidified the relationship between the Seattle delegates and City Parks and Zoo. Mr Anthony Paul (AP) Diaz, the Superintendent & Director of Seattle Parks and Recreation, and Lisa Ciecko, the Ecology Team Manager of Seattle Parks and Recreation, named the tree, a Celtis Africana (White Stinkwood) the Shining Tree, after their park motto, Seattle Shines. Mr Bishop Ngobeni, Senior Manager: Protected Areas and Environmental Enforcement of Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo joined in the tree planting ceremony.
“My colleague, Lisa and I, AP, Director of Seattle Parks and Recreation, are excited to plant this tree here in Johannesburg, as a relationship between Seattle Parks department and JCPZ and we are honored to name this tree”, said Anthony AP Diaz.
International urban greening discourses are becoming essential platforms for global collaboration, where stakeholders share ideas and work towards achievable goals. These partnerships not only ensure that citizens have access to green spaces but also bring lasting benefits to both people and the planet. By pooling knowledge, resources, and expertise, international partnerships in urban greening play a key role in executing large-scale projects with long-term impact. They enable cities to learn from each other’s successes and challenges, fostering innovation and the adoption of best practices worldwide. Through the exchange of expertise in sustainable urban planning, green infrastructure, and community engagement, these partnerships help cities evolve into more resilient, equitable, and sustainable environments.
ENDS
Issued on behalf of Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo
Thanduxolo Mendrew
Managing Director
For Media Enquiries, please contact
Jenny Moodley
Spokesperson: Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo
Tel: 011 712 6615 / 082 8030 748 | Email: jmoodley@jhbcityparks.com
Website: www.jhbcityparksandzoo.com
Noeleen Mattera
Media Relations: Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo
Tel: 011 712 6600/6617/6722 | Email: nmattera@jhbcityparks.com
