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Click here to download a complete list of services | HISTORY OF THE ZOO LAKE
The Zoo Lake is situated in what is originally known as the Herman Eckstein Park. In 1904 the land which includes both Zoo Lake and the Johannesburg Zoo was ceded by means of a Deed of Gift..."in trust for the inhabitants of Johannesburg...to be used for the purpose of a public park" by Werner Beit Comany, which was part of the Corner House group of companies which became known as Rand Mines. The Zoo Lake covers an area of 46.6 ha. The Coronation Fountain was built n 1937 to commemorate the coronation of King George VI. The first boating licence was awarded in 1911. The Bowling Club and Sports Club were established in the early'30's. The land was donated to the city by Herman Eckstein who stated that the park around the lake should be “a Park for the People” Zoo Lake is therefore a place where people representing all races, cultures and creeds can be together in harmony with nature as is fitting with the history of tolerance that has been at Zoo Lake since 1904. |
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE LIST OF ZOO LAKE ACTIVITIES DEURING THE WORLDCUP 2010
"Zoo Lake circa 1928"
THE ZOO LAKE USER COMMITTEE
The Zoo Lake Users Committee (ZLUC) is a non-profit organisation (registered section 21) which raises funds to assist the Johannesburg Parks with the upkeep of Zoo Lake. The committee focuses on creating a safe, pleasant, crime and litter free leisure area for all those who value open spaces.
The Zoo Lake Users Committee is now entering its 8th year and has achieved many of its goals that it set out to achieve at its inception.
The Committee meets at the City Parks Horticultural Training Centre on the 3rd Monday of every month at 3:30pm. Anyone with an interest in Zoo Lake is welcome to attend.
There is also a steering committee of founder members from the community and corporates that meets 4-5 times a year to discuss any broader problems that might occur.
ROLE OF THE COMMITTEE
Information / Security Centre
We are proud to announce that the Rainbow Information/Chubb Security Centre is now up and running. The aim of the Centre is to offer general information about the Park and nearer 2010 to supply tourist information as well.
We are endeavouring to man it 7 days a week. Chubb have very generously supplied an excellent security guard pro bono from Wednesdays to Sundays from 6am to 6pm.
We are delighted that through the generous assistance of City Parks we now have a much needed telephone 011 646 1976 and a computer and printer. The email address is
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ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION PROGRAMMES
One of our functions is to have environmental education for children and to this end we celebrate World Environment Day on 5th of June as well as Arbor day in September each year. Parks have moved two containers to the Children's playground and we hope to run an Enviro club from there for children. Moyo kindly decorated the containers for us. Parks have erected a Dinosaur play sculpture for the children and Caxtons ran a competition for kids to give the Dinosaur a nickname, Exclusive books who are very generous with donations donated 4 excellent Dinosaur books.
Various activities are arranged in celebration of these events such as
1) Planting of trees
2) lectures on alternative methods of heating and lighting
3) lectures on farming with earthworms
4) Story time
Most recently, we celebrated Arbor Day with Read For Africa because Literacy week coincided with Arbor Week.
Learners from Sparrow Schools planted trees and read with a "Buddy". The event was a partnership between the Zoo Lake Users and Read for Africa. Read for Africa have also kindly donated name tags for trees that were planted previously. Sixty indigenous trees were planted. It is estimated that at least 2,000 trees have been planted at Zoo Lake since the ZLUC (Zoo Lake Users Committee) was established in 2000.
CAROLS BY CANDLELIGHT
ZLUC organize an annual Carol Service at the end of November each year.
The most recent Carol Service was a great success and a wonderful community effort. There were over 3000 people.
For the first time ever ALL the candles were sold out.
We are grateful to MTN for making the event possible.
FUNDRAISING
The Zoo Lake User’s committee is constantly involved in fundraising initiatives such as book sales, golf days, musical and other special events.
HOW YOU CAN GET INVOLVED
As always we are in great need of funds as the Information Centre has depleted the kitty so we would welcome both ideas for fundraising and cash donations!
Our banking details are as follows:
Bank Nedbank/Old Mutual
Branch Killarney
Acc No 178 700 5097
Branch code 178 705
OTHER SERVICES AND AMENITIES
The Zoo Lake Users Committee plays a pivotal role at Zoo Lake. Whilst ZUC disseminates information about all of the various amenities and services that operate from the Zoo Lake, it is not responsible for the running of these services.
A list of these amenities and services is attached.
For further information contact:
ANDILE MABANE
Co-ordinator
Zoo Lake Users Committee
Phones:+27 011 646 1976
Fax:+27 011 646 1976
I-mail
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ZOO LAKE EVENTS UPDATE 20090708
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Zoo Lake 
