Romsey Ecotherapy Park awarded Park of the Year

Last updated on 09 June 2023

Romsey Ecotherapy Park has taken out the Park of The Year title at Parks and Leisure Australia’s 2023 VIC/TAS Regional Awards of Excellence.

The 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 park is the culmination of a 14-year community-led initiative by Romsey Ecotherapy Park Inc. which, in collaboration with Council, set out to create a regionally significant place to enhance health and wellbeing for all ages and abilities.

Through extensive community consultation, a plan was created for an innovative nature-based space for passive recreation, incorporating visual cultural elements, unique sensory and therapeutic opportunities and capacity for open-air performances and events.

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 BBQ facilities. Adding to the innovative design are numerous sculptural installations highlighting the talent of local artists and a special ‘Story Telling Chair’.

The design also includes sustainable features such as solar lighting to illuminate pathways and recycled and locally sourced materials. Existing trees were retained during construction, and more than 4000 native and exotic plants were added with an emphasis on texture, scent and floral display as well as resilience and low water usage.

Mayor Annette Death said the project was a great example of how Council and the community can 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.”

“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.”

The park was designed by ACLA Consultants, built by Commercialscapes and made possible through the support of various contributors including Council, Regional Development Victoria (Victorian Government), the Australian Government, Romsey Ecotherapy Park Inc., Lancefield Romsey Community Bank (Bendigo Bank) and Freemasons Foundation Victoria.

As a VIC/TAS Region winner, the Romsey Ecotherapy Park will contend for the National Park of the Year award in October 2023.

For information on the park, visit the Romsey Ecotherapy Park website or the Romsey Ecotherapy Park page on Council's website.