ROMSEY Ecotherapy Park has been named as Park of the Year at Parks and Leisure Australia’s 2023 VIC/TAS Regional Awards of Excellence.
The park will now contend for the National Park of the Year award in October.
The state award recognises well designed and managed new or significantly revitalised parks or open spaces and best practice in design and management.
Romsey Ecotherapy Park was awarded for its innovative design and strong community collaboration.
The project is the culmination of a 14-year community-led initiative by Romsey Ecotherapy Park Inc, who set out to create a regionally-significant place to enhance health and wellbeing in the community.
The park officially opened in October 2022 and features a climbing forest, ropes course, flying fox, water features, a sensory garden, a woodland ramble and an events space with picnic and barbecue facilities.
Macedon Ranges Shire Council Mayor Annette Death said the project was a great example of how council and the community could work together to achieve a positive outcome.
“The park has become a wonderful feature in the community, where children can play and everyone can gather and enjoy the surrounds,” she said.
“It’s strengthening community connections while providing a unique open space for recreational activities.
Adding to the design are numerous sculptural installations made by local artists, as well as a storytelling chair that features prominently at the park’s entrance.
“I want to again acknowledge the hard work and commitment of Romsey Ecotherapy Park Inc and the Romsey community, who were fundamental in helping this amazing project come to fruition,” Cr Death said.
The park’s design also includes sustainable features such as solar lighting to illuminate pathways and recycled and locally sourced materials, while existing trees were retained and more than 4000 native and exotic plants added during construction.
For more information, people can visit www.mrsc.vic.gov.au/Romsey-Ecotherapy-Park.