Magical dementia-friendly trail for park

PARKS Victoria have begun works to construct the country’s first-ever dementia-friendly forest and sensory trail at Woowookarung Regional Park.

The one-kilometre compacted gravel trail is at the entry of the park on Katy Ryans Road, just near Elsworth Street.

It will be accessible for people of all abilities, wheelchairs and walkers, has wetlands, a boardwalk, and six circular outdoor rooms with large rocks where people with dementia, their carers, friends, and families, or other visiting community groups can rest.

Friends of the Canadian Corridor’s Jeff Rootes volunteers to protect the park, and was a carer for his own father who had dementia.

“This is the ideal site. It’s so close to town, it’s safe and it’s amongst the iconic grass trees, wildflowers and changing seasonal plants,” he said.

“What we know about dementia is that people, no matter their age, unlearn things, but often they will still have strong connections with the bush.

“When people come to the trail, it’s safe, and they can smell the bush. It’s something they remember from their childhood, even if they haven’t been there for a long time.”

The trail has been designed by Thomson Hay Landscape Architects, with input from members of the community living with dementia, their carers and families, health services, local government, and Parks Victoria.

A bush path to accommodate people living with dementia, whether they have the disease in its early or advanced stages, was originally the idea of Bigger Hearts Dementia Alliance Ballarat’s Anne Tudor.

Her partner, Edie Mayhew was diagnosed with early-onset dementia in her 50s.

“This is the most magical and satisfying project I have ever been involved with,” Ms Tudor said.

“It has already brought great joy to many people, including those living with dementia, who have given freely of their time and positive energy to create a unique experience for people impacted by dementia.

“To have such a special place so close to the city centre is extraordinary. I’m so excited about the launch of the Woowookarung dementia sensory and forest trail.”

The trail has been funded by Parks Victoria, Bigger Hearts Dementia Alliance, the Department of Health and Human Services via a grant from Dementia Australia, and CDC Victoria.

The trail will have its own carpark, a welcome shelter, and a hireable piece of mobility equipment called a “Sherpa,” which visitors can book to use on-trail.

The first stage is expected to be accessible by the end of May, with works starting four weeks ago.