Innesfree Park, in the suburb of Sandown, Sandton, is one of Johannesburg’s green lungs, a place where the city’s pace seems to slow, if only for a while. The park is situated along Katherine Street, bounded by Grayston Drive and near the M1 highway. It features lush lawns and two dams, which reflect the skyline and provide a calm, scenic setting. Trees offer shade, broadly paved pathways criss-cross the grounds, and there are open spaces perfect for picnics, strolls or just pausing to enjoy nature. On quieter days you’ll see joggers, families, people walking dogs and friends catching up under the trees. On larger scale evenings or weekends Innesfree comes alive with arts and culture events, outdoor exhibitions, motor shows and even concerts.
Historically, the land on which Innesfree Park now lies was part of a farm called Innesfree (Innesfree No. 47) owned by Richard Lurie. In the early 1960s he donated much of the property to the City Parks authority, under the condition that his son Charles could continue to live on part of it. Over time, surrounding changes in the city’s boundary and development led to other uses and demands on the land. An informal settlement grew close by, particularly near the river that flows through the park, with local residents living in makeshift houses. During the 2010 FIFA World Cup, Innesfree Park was used as a fan-park venue, drawing large crowds. In more recent years a disused fountain was transformed into a labyrinth and art installation by local residents, both to beautify the space and to bring a more peaceful experience to visitors.
For visitors: Innesfree Park is open for the public most days, and its size makes it versatile. If you are looking for a quiet corner you’ll find one; if there is an event on, the atmosphere can be festive. There are picnic spots, benches, and paved walkways. Dogs are allowed (on leashes), though permanent infrastructure like ablution facilities, dedicated playgrounds, or braai sites are limited or only temporary during events. The park is accessible by car via Katherine Street and Grayston Drive, and parking is available. It is managed by Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo, who maintain the landscaping, dams, pathways and handle bookings for larger-scale events.
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