Distinctive art installations are hoped to be secured as part of the exciting next step for Romsey Ecotherapy Park.
A unique feature, Art in the Park incorporates seven modern sculptures designed to stimulate and soothe the senses and the Romsey Ecotherapy Park Inc is about to launch a fundraising campaign to make it a reality.
The group seeks to raise about $180,000 for the works that were specifically designed for the space by predominantly local artists.
Romsey Ecotherapy Park Inc’s Jenny Stillman said Art in the Park would consolidate Romsey Ecotherapy Park as a truly unique regional wellbeing and cultural asset for the local community and visitors alike.
“The sculptures are a big part of the sensory therapeutic purpose of the park and will also showcase art and culture,” Ms Stillman said.
From a gentle flowing water-clock and harmonic bells to a large wooden carved storytelling chair and impressive portal entrance, the pieces are sure to inspire.
“The whole ethos of this park – the health and wellbeing focus – has really come into sharp focus this year with the COVID experience that people have gone through,” Ms Stillman said.
“There is a real appreciation to get somewhere out in the open, close to nature where you can just breathe, think and collect your thoughts, and that was the premise for the project way back when the concept was being refined.”
The ecotherapy park has been 10 years in the making and was brought to life by a group of dedicated local residents who lobbied to transform an old derelict school site.
Since then, all levels of government and other bodies have contributed to funding the vision for a special place to enhance health and wellness in nature for ages and abilities.
Now it’s the community’s turn to help secure one of the most engaging features and leave a legacy.
With construction due to begin in July 2021, Art in the Park funding must be secured before detailed design is finalised in February 2021.
Ms Stillman, also Romsey Region Business and Tourism Association president, said securing the ecotherapy park as a distinct attraction for the area was important for improving the local economy.
“The fallout after COVID-19 is going to be ongoing, regardless of when shops open and when people can travel, it’s going to be a long-term impact,” she said.
“The visitor economy in the eastern side of the Macedon Ranges has traditionally been relatively compromised compared to elsewhere in the Macedon Ranges for a range of reasons – Calder Freeway access and the location of other shire attractions.
“Building that visitor economy product is really important for our local businesses and, from a health and wellbeing perspective, if people don’t realise how important that is now, they never will.”
The Foundation for Rural and Regional Renewal is supporting Romsey Ecotherapy Park Inc’s Art in the Park fundraising campaign with a partnership for tax effective fundraising through a not-for-profit fundraising account.
For details, email: romseyecotherapypark@gmail.com, phone Jenny Stillman on 0411 700 464 or visit: www.frrr.org.au/online_donations and nominate the fundraising account ‘Romsey Ecotherapy Park’.
For a detailed description of the artworks and images see page 54 of this week’s Midland Express.
