Romsey Ecotherapy Park climbing forest branches out

Published on 29 August 2019

Planning and detailed design work has begun on an exciting new feature of the Romsey Ecotherapy Park - a climbing forest suitable for all ages.

Council has been working with the community group Romsey Ecotherapy Park Inc. (REP) on planning the next stage of the park, which has proven popular with residents and visitors.

The climbing forest will complement the active nature space of the site and both children and adults will be able to challenge themselves on the various rope and timber climbing elements of the forest.

The climbing forest will include a three metre high ropes course, lookouts, a rope bridge, a vertical climbing net and a hammock.

The completed climbing element will be the largest of its type in the Macedon Ranges and will provide an exhilarating challenge for the young, the brave as well as the young at heart.

Council and REP have been working together over recent months to prepare for the construction of the climbing forest.

Work is underway, with the landscape architects preparing the drawings and designs that detail what the forest elements will look like, and how they will be constructed.

Mayor, Cr Janet Pearce said she was looking forward to the plans being implemented on site.

“After the success of stage one of the park, I’m so pleased to see the climbing forest will be added over spring and early summer this year,” Cr Pearce said.

“The Romsey Ecotherapy Park project continues to showcase what is possible when government and community work together. Council would really like to acknowledge the years of work and dedication by this group of volunteers which has led us to this exciting stage of the project.”

Raelene Mottram, President of Romsey Ecotherapy Park Inc. expressed her excitement.

“The climbing forest will be a wonderful addition to this steadily progressing health and wellbeing project,” she said.

“With the sensory therapeutic space also receiving a funding commitment from the Victorian Government and construction on the horizon for 2020-2021, the region’s community and visitors to it have much to be excited about.”

Member for Macedon, Mary-Anne Thomas is also thrilled with the progress of the park.

“For nine years local community members have reimagined an old school site into the incredible park it is today– it is through their determination and passion that local residents and visitors will have this special place to connect to the outdoors and improve their mental and physical wellbeing.”

Freemason's Victoria, through the Macedon Ranges Lodge branch, will contribute a specially-designed park bench to complement the climbing forest element of the park.

The climbing forest is supported by a $200,000 grant from the Victorian Government through Pick My Project.

Follow the progress of the park project