Grand opening of the Gerolstein forest ball track SILVADROM

On Sunday, 21 September, the Gerolstein municipal forest was the setting for a special event: the grand opening of the new nature trail with forest ball track took place as part of the state-wide Forest Day and attracted around 1,000 visitors despite persistent rain showers. A particularly large number of children took the opportunity to explore the forest in a playful way and take part in the numerous hands-on activities. Around the ‘Fuchsbau’ hiking car park, guests were treated to a colourful programme that impressively combined nature experiences, entertainment and knowledge transfer.

The event kicked off with three speeches that highlighted the importance of the project from different perspectives. Forestry office manager Michael Schimper opened the event with a speech that focused on the importance of the forest. He was followed by Frank Reuter, managing director of Touristik GmbH Gerolsteiner Land, who emphasised the tourist appeal of the new trail. Mayor Steffi Lorisch rounded off the opening with a welcome speech that underlined the local significance of the project. Almost as if on cue, the rain stopped just in time for the symbolic ribbon cutting. Member of the state parliament Jens Jenssen, district administrator Julia Gieseking, mayor of the association of municipalities Hans Peter Böffgen, managing director Frank Reuter and mayor Steffi Lorisch cut the red ribbon together, officially opening the approximately 400-metre-long forest ball track. Shortly afterwards, the first balls rolled through the creative course, which winds its way playfully through the forest and provides interactive elements for movement and discovery. The supporting programme left nothing to be desired: face painting, musical performances and information stands on the forest, the environment and sustainability invited visitors to think and participate. The DRK Gerolstein took excellent care of the physical well-being of the visitors. The big competition, in which visitors had to guess the number of wooden balls in a glass jar, aroused particular interest. Over 200 entry cards were submitted. The best estimates will be rewarded with attractive prizes.

The new nature trail with forest ball track stretches over 1.7 kilometres and vividly illustrates the interaction between forest and water at numerous stations. The aim is not only to observe nature, but to actively experience and understand it. The successful opening shows that the balls are rolling, interest is high and the holiday region has gained a new highlight that is sure to delight locals and visitors alike. A big thank you goes to all the sponsors, supporters and helping hands who made this day possible.

Click here for all the information about the new nature trail with forest ball track.