Active Communities Strategy launched
27 November, 2009

Promoting an active city through strong partnerships underpins the Active Communities Strategy launched in Hamilton today.

SPARC board member Nicki Turner is the keynote speaker at the launch of the document which aims to encourage people to live healthy lifestyles and increase participation in - and strengthen the delivery of - sport and recreation in Hamilton.

The strategy identifies three priorities - Inspiring Motivation, Enabling Participation and Working Smarter - to create an environment where people can enjoy recreational activities and be active.

It is a joint effort between Hamilton City Council, Sport Waikato, the Ministry of Education, New Zealand Academy of Sport, Waikato Principals’ Association, SPARC, Perry Group Ltd, Waikato District Health Board, University of Waikato, Wintec and Life Unlimited Trust.

Deputy Mayor Pippa Mahood endorsed the strategy, adopted by Council this week.

“Hamilton has some excellent sport and recreation facilities, so has a good platform for getting people active. Living an active lifestyle brings benefits not only for the individual and families, but for the entire city.” Sport Waikato Chief Executive Matthew Cooper was a key partner in developing the City strategy.

“It is our hope that the projects and programmes outlined in the strategy will enthuse Hamilton people, and encourage more people to be – or continue to be – physically active.” Hamilton is especially well catered for in terms of sport and recreation facilities - including 198 parks, three skateboard bowls, three gyms, three pools, a mountain bike track, 66km cycle lanes, 58km road walking and cycle routes.

A number of flagship projects are outlined in the strategy, including Workplace Challenge, Getting Families Active, and a new Hydrotherapy pool.

This document is the 8th in a series of “city strategies” developed over the last 2 ½ years.

Hamilton’s Strategic Framework was conceived in 2006/07 and since that time Council has developed partnerships with leaders across sectors in the city to produce these working strategy documents.

* The Active Communities Strategy will be launched at the Hamilton Yacht Club, Friday 27 November, at 5.15pm. The launch concludes with a walk around Hamilton Lake at 6.15pm.

ENDS