Years in the making, Romsey Ecotherapy Park was officially opened to the community last Wednesday.
The park is the result of a community-led initiative to build an inviting and accessible recreational open space with nature-based sensory and therapeutic features.
Romsey Ecotherapy Park Inc. committee championed delivery of the park for more than 14 years and played a pivotal role in fundraising.
President Raelene Mottram said she was proud of the committee’s achievements in partnering with state and local government to deliver the project.
“This is a true testament to how a vision from the community can achieve a great outcome for the region,” she said.
The park includes an active nature space with a cubby house and nature-based play elements, climbing forest, ropes course, lookouts and climbing net.
There is also an events space with picnic and barbecue facilities, an area showcasing several artistic features, a sensory garden, a ‘woodland ramble’, a hut-building frame and on-street parking to make it easy to access the park.
Mayor, councillor Jennifer Anderson, said the park was an engaging and welcoming community space and showed what a community group could achieve.
She thanked all involved and highlighted the committee’s tireless dedication and work.
“It is wonderful to see it all come to fruition. I am sure the park will become a regional destination for visitors and a treasured space for all locals to enjoy,” she said.
The total cost of the project was $2,737,000, with funding received from Regional Development Victoria ($1,333,000), Macedon Ranges Shire Council ($996,000), the Australian Government ($215,000), Romsey Ecotherapy Park Inc. (113,000 + Art in the Park), and Lancefield Romsey Community Bank (Bendigo Bank) ($80,000).
A community celebration event will be held at the park on Saturday, November 19, from 1pm to 5pm.
For details, follow the Romsey Ecotherapy Park Inc. on Facebook at: facebook.com/romseyecotherapypark
