In 2013 a group of 4 parents in Ross on Wye identified that the small dated play park in the Ropewalk was not fit for purpose. They wanted to do something about this so they met in their own time to kick off the 'Ropewalk Project'.
The existing play area was installed in 1994 by Herefordshire Council but due to lack of maintenance and funding from Herefordshire council the park has gradually deteriorated.
The group found it difficult to engage with the county council and as such progress was slow.
In 2016 the management of the area was transferred to Ross Town Council who are actively interested in the work of the group and as such have allocated £10,000 from 1st April 2017. The group has since reconvened and are actively seeking both local and national funding for the park.
The plan for the play area is split into three phases. Each phase is currently planned to cost £50,000. The first phase is to replace the fenced toddler area with a new safety surface and new play equipment that appeals to toddlers and small children. The aim has always been to have a destination playground that will bring people to the town and be identifiable as the Ropewalk Play Park, not just another generic play area. The park sits within the AONB of the Wye Valley, within the SSSI of the River Wye and the conservation zone of the town centre, so a natural ‘in keeping’ approach has always been important to us. It is also important that the park is equally accessible to disabled and able bodied children.
Phase two and three will extend the park outside of the toddler area along the line of the path to provide exciting and challenging equipment for older children, with a similar natural feel to the toddler area.
The first phase is planned to be implemented in the summer of 2017 (funding dependent).