Friday, 29 November 2013

Activation is bringing Upper Hutt Parks and Places to life this summer

New initiative by Upper Hutt’s Activation team to be launched in February 2014.

UPPER HUTT, Wellington NZ, 29 NOV 2013—The Activation team at Upper Hutt City Council have one major goal: to get more Upper Hutt residents more active, more often. They use a range of opportunities to achieve this and the latest initiative, being launched in February 2014, is called ‘Activation’s Parks & Places’.

Activation’s Community Recreation Advisor, AJ Picard says, “Parks and Places is a project that offers Upper Hutt residents the opportunity to get outdoors and be active over summer. The programme is a six-week calendar of activities, which will be sent out and advertised to all residents. The activities will cater to all people throughout Upper Hutt and will be located across our parks and recreational facilities (‘Places’). Activities will be low cost ($5 or less) or free and will allow participants to try out something new before committing long term.”

Activation’s Parks and Places will also host one-off events that occur during the six weeks, such as ‘Bike the Trail,’ ‘Paws in the Park,’ and ‘Walk2Work Day.’ There is a broad range of activities throughout the programme, including group evening trail runs, family bike rides, group dog walks, early morning boot-camp sessions, give-it-a-go opportunities, tai chi, Zumba, and a family amazing race.

“This is a real partnership programme,” says Mr Picard. “We have local clubs, recreation providers, and other Council teams putting together ideas and programmes to be included in the calendar. We will have a dedicated website along with printed calendars, which will be available by early January. There will be at least one active opportunity being offered every day for six weeks!”

There is still room in the calendar for groups or individuals to register an activity. It can be an on-going six week activity or a one-off active event, as long as it’s low cost and available to the general public.

Activation believes that by providing ‘try before you buy’ opportunities, participants will be more likely to venture out and try something new. The hope is that this will lead to long term participation, enjoyment, and club growth.

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