A therapeutic alley made of sand, pebbles, sandstones, hay and cones was built in Nicolae Balcescu commune in Valcea county. The alley is 400-meter long and is divided into several areas, each holding a different type of natural material. So anyone who longs for a barefoot walk he/she can do it for free here.
The therapeutic alley from Nicolae Balcescu is the only one in Oltenia and the second in Romania, after the one in Galati.
Barefoot walks have a lot of benefits and can even help the flatfoot problems or deformed ankles. Besides, it stimulated the circulation and calms down the nervous system and for that reasons, it is highly recommended to the persons working in a stressful environment.
The building materials have been taken from various regions of the county. For instance, the mountain stone have been brought from the Olt Valley, from Turnu Monastery.
The first track starts with extra fine sand, then gravel, rolling stone, mountain rock from Calimanesti region, marble. The alley continues with an area paved with transversal and horizontal wood pieces so that the foot could step also on his extremities, being kind of natural chiropractic. The last segment of the alley is somehow suspended, meaning you have to walk on little pillars, then you go down, and you climb again on a sort of “ a bridge of sighs”, which is a kind of life bridge where you have to steady when it pendulates.
As we mentioned before, the access is free, but those who want to spend more time in the neighborhood can stay at the chalet near the park for a fee. The money raised from the chalet rent will be used to finance the project conducted by “Vatra cu idei” association for youngsters.
The alley is available from May to October, with previous appointment at vatracuidei.valcea@yahoo.ro.
The therapeutic alley can be also a good venue for celebrating birthdays, name days or other events.