Media release for immediate use 24 November 2009

New Fitness Trails for Ashhurst And Woodville Schools

The Ashhurst and Woodville schools were two major recipients in the latest round of allocations from the Meridian Te Apiti Community Fund, both receiving $8,000 for new fitness trails.

Reece Hawkins, of the Woodville Health Promoting Schools Committee, says the new fitness trail will benefit the whole community.

“At present there is no fitness trail or all weather running track for children and community members to use,” he says. “The new facility will encourage people, especially children, to get active by giving them a stimulating and interesting exercise option.

“We also hope children will gain improved self-esteem by achieving physical goals. Developing our children’s skills and increasing their confidence can also lead to increased success in the classroom and in the wider community,” he says.

The fitness trail will feature a running track, apparatus for strength exercises, poles and hurdles to test agility as well as balance beams.

The school hopes to construct the track around the field during the summer holidays and hold a working bee to install the obstacles by the end of term one 2010.

The Ashhurst School Board of Trustees also received funding for a new fitness trail to encourage more children, as well as community members, to be active and enjoy the outdoors.

“It is often a challenge for Ashhurst youth to find something to do in their down time,” says Deputy Principal Karyn Giles. “The new fitness trail will provide them with a fun option that will also get their heart rates going and teach them the importance of everyday exercise in a safe environment.

“Obesity is an ongoing problem among youth and the availability of a fun trail the children can access both in and out of school time will allow for some changes in attitude and have a positive impact on their wellbeing,” she says.

The new fitness trail will be a community resource available for use by the school, youth in Ashhurst, as well as various sports groups.

Mike Goldsworthy, Meridian Te Apiti Community Fund acting chair, says the panel is pleased to be able to support four very worthy community led initiatives.

“The panel is thrilled to be able to support these valuable initiatives that will have a positive impact in the Ashhurst and Woodville communities,” he says. “The fitness trails are excellent initiatives that will have long-term benefits for community members of all ages.

“They will offer children an interesting and challenging exercise option which will encourage them to be active and promote a healthy lifestyle.”

The Meridian Te Apiti Community Fund is to the value of $100,000 over three years. A panel of community members and Meridian staff work together to help decide which local initiatives are supported.

For more information on the Meridian Te Apiti Community Fund visit http://www.meridian.co.nz/AboutUs/

Applications for consideration in the next round must be submitted by 13 April 2010.

Latest Meridian Te Apiti Community Fund recipients

Woodville School Health Promoting Schools Committee

$8,000 granted to contribute to the development of a fitness trail for the school and community.

YMCA Oscar Programme

$300 granted to assist with promoting the programme in the Ashhurst Village Voice.

Ballance Library and Athenaeum Association

1,099 granted to purchase and install a 34 litre zip as part of a kitchen upgrade of the Ballance Hall. The Hall is administered by the Ballance Library and Athenaeum Association and is used by the local area to host community events, and groups such as the Ballance Playgroup and local school.

Ashhurst School Fitness Trail

$8,000 granted to contribute to the development of a fitness trail for the school and community.

ENDS