Get Active this summer with Lively Parks

Get moving and have fun in the outdoors this summer with the Lively Parks programme.

Leisure Active (Hutt City Council) and Activation (Upper Hutt City Council) have joined forces to develop and deliver the Lively Parks programme designed to motivate Hutt Valley residents to increase their physical activity.

With 23 different activities taking place at local parks across the Valley between 19 January and end of March, there's something for everyone. As well as providing healthy summer recreation, the Lively Parks programme can also provide people with a new lease on life.

Activities on offer include pilates, tai chi, running/jogging, Latin dance, yoga, qi gong, triathlon training, mums and babies classes, touch rugby, self defence, circuit classes, kendo, leisure marching, gymsports for kids and dog walking. All activities are either free or low-cost.

Getting involved in the Lively Parks programme is easy. Registration is not required for classes, just turn up on the day. If wet, activities will be cancelled.

Participants are encouraged to wear comfortable clothing and footwear, hat and sunscreen and bring a towel and water bottle.

Further information on the Lively Parks programme can be found in the new Lively Parks brochure available from Council facilities around the Hutt Valley from 9 January or by visiting www.huttcity.govt.nz/livelyparks.

Also included in the brochure is details on the popular Push Play in the Park programme for children 5 to 10 years as well as walking and cycling events taking place throughout the summer.

Timetable - Hutt City

Qi Gong for Good Health and a Clear Mind
Experience the art of Qi Gong (Chi-Gong) and learn how simple controlled moves can benefit your health. These introductory classes will leave you feeling calm, in-control and invigorated.

Every Monday 19 January to 9 March
6:00pm – 7:00pm
Riddiford Gardens (behind playground), Queens Drive, Lower Hutt
FREE

Street Latin Dance Lessons
Salsa is originally from Cuba in the 1960’s, and Merengue is from the Dominican Republic - distinguished by a crisp, zippy, 2 step beat. A mix of these two dance styles will be covered over the weeks. Salsa Bomba’s partner dancing philosophies are based on teamwork…. as well as having FUN!

Every Monday 26 January to 2 March 2009
6:30pm - 7:30pm
Riddiford Gardens, Queens Drive
Lower Hutt
FREE

Jog / Walk Club
A gentle 5km jog or walk along the scenic Hutt River Trail with staff from the Leisure Active Fitness Suite.

Every Tuesday 20 January to 10 March 2009
6:30pm – 7:30pm
Belmont Domain, Carter Street entrance, Belmont
FREE

Taoist Tai Chi
Learn the first 17 moves of Taoist Tai Chi as qualified instructors from the Taoist Tai Chi Society of NZ guide you through gentle movements.

Every Tuesday from 3 February to 24 March 2009
6:30pm – 7:30pm
Mitchell Park Rose Gardens
Mitchell Street, Epuni, Lower Hutt
FREE

Tai Chi 4 All
Tai Chi is great for creating strength and health, with emphasis placed on body alignment, relaxation and slow movement.

Morning Classes: 7:00am – 8:00am
Tuesdays and Thursdays 20, 22, 27, 29 January and 3, 5, 10, 12 February 2009
Williams Park, Days Bay, Eastbourne
Gold Coin

Evening Classes: 7:00pm – 8:00pm
Tuesdays and Thursdays 20, 22,27, 29 January and 3, 5, 10, 12 February 2009
Williams Park, Days Bay, Eastbourne
Gold Coin

Feldenkrais Method
Classes teach exploratory movements designed to increase awareness of how you move and how to use your body more efficiently.

Wednesdays 21, 28 January and 4, 11 February 2009
10:00am – 11:00am
H.W Shortt Park, Oroua Street, Eastbourne
Gold Coin

Essential Pilates
Increase your core strength, flexibility and postural awareness by learning all the essential Pilates moves using controlled exercises and breathing patterns. Presented by Lifestyle Health & Fitness Clubs.

Every Wednesday from 21 January to 25 February
6:30pm – 7:30pm
Riddiford Gardens, Queens Drive, Lower Hutt
FREE

Mums, Ab’s and Babies
Mothers come along with babies and workout using resistant bands with a focus on abs plus some body weight exercises.

Every Wednesday 11 February to 18 March 2009
10:00am – 11:00am
Mitchell Park Rose Gardens
Mitchell Street, Epuni, Lower Hutt
FREE

Every Friday 13 February to 20 March 2009
10:00am – 11:00am
Percy Scenic Reserve
Western Hutt Road (State Highway 2), Korokoro
(parking located at the Dowse Drive end of the Park. Please follow the signs from State Highway 2)
FREE

Self Defence for Women & Girls
Learn the disciplines of self-defence designed especially for women and girls

Thursday 19 February
6:00pm – 7:00pm
Riddiford Gardens, Queens Drive, Lower Hutt
FREE

Try Kendo – the way of the sword
Learn the basics of Kendo – Japanese fencing. All ages 8 and over welcome. This is an introductory course for learning more about this martial art and Japanese culture. Presented by Hutt Kendo Club.

Saturday 31 January
11am – 12 noon
Belmont Domain, Norfolk Street, Belmont
FREE

Touch and 2Touch Have A Go Day
Come along for some fun in the sun playing Touch and 2Touch.
2Touch is a new game that is exciting and fun…be one of the first to try it out. Bring your mates, family or just you! Come along and try out the game hosted by Wellington and NZ Touch representatives. Then from 1pm enter a team in the tournament. Contact George on (04) 560 0374 or via email george@touchnz.co.nz to book your spot or for more information.

Sunday 25 January
11:00am – 1:00pm
Petone Recreation Ground, Buick Street, Petone
FREE

Leisure Marching
Leisure Marching is for ladies from 50 years upwards and promotes fitness and fun and fosters a team spirit.

Sunday 15 March
11:00am – 2:30pm
Avalon Park, Taita Drive, Avalon
FREE

Lively Parks – Upper Hutt City

Xtream Activation
A fun circuit class aimed at school children. You may have had the Xtream Activation team in your school while the pool was closed – well here it is again – outside in the fresh air!

Mondays 19, 26 Jan and 2 February 2009
1:00pm - 2.30pm
Maidstone Park, Park Street, Upper Hutt
FREE

Mondays 9, 16, 23 February and 2, 9 March 2009
3:30pm- 5:00pm
Maidstone Park, Park Street, Upper Hutt
FREE

Lifestyle Pilates
Increase you core strength, flexibility and postural awareness by learning the essentials of Pilates by using controlled exercises and breathing patterns. Brought to you by Lifestyle Health & Fitness.

Every Tuesday from 20 January to 10 March 2009
6.30pm – 7:30pm
Maidstone Park, Park Street, Upper Hutt
FREE

Gymsports for children
Bring the kids along for a session brought to you by Rimutaka Gymsports. Perfectly timed so you can go to the Pilates class and they can have a play in a controlled environment.

Tuesdays 20 January, 3, 17 February, 3 March 2009
6:30pm – 7:30pm
Maidstone Park, Park Street, Upper Hutt
FREE

Yoga
Relax and enjoy the surroundings while working on flexibility, core and improving muscular imbalances. Yoga is for all levels, learn the basic positions and movements in a friendly atmosphere.

Every Wednesday from 21 January to 11 March 2009
6:00pm – 7:00pm
Harcourt Park (Sound Shell)
Norbert Street, Upper Hutt
FREE

Petanque
Learn the fundamental skills of Petanque in a friendly non competitive environment. All equipment will be provided and the members of the Upper Hutt Petanque club will be on hand to encourage you to join them!

Wednesdays 21 January, 4, 18 February, 4 March 2009
5.30pm – 6:30pm
Maidstone Park, Petanque Square (behind the pavilion)
Park Street, Upper Hutt
FREE

Lifestyle Circuit
Increase your strength and fitness and relieve stress in the easy to follow stress releasing circuit training class. Beginners welcome. Presented by Lifestyle Health & Fitness club.
Every Thursday from 22 January to 12 March 2009
6:30pm – 7:30pm
Maidstone Park, Park Street, Upper Hutt
FREE

Triathlon training
Come along to this practical training session. Improve your skills, ask questions and gain some great tips from a world class triathlete. Bring your running shoes, your bike, helmet & even your wetsuit if you have one.

Every Thursday from 29 January to 12 March 2009
6:00pm – 7:00pm
Trentham Memorial Park, Bartons Ave, Upper Hutt
FREE

Latin dancing
Learn the basic moves of Latin-American dancing, build on your lessons and be able to show off your new moves to all your friends!

Thursdays from 22 January, 5, 19 February, 5 March 2009
6.30pm – 7:30pm
Harcourt Park (Sound shell)
Norbert Street, Upper Hutt
FREE

Qi Gong
Experience the art of Qi Gong (Chi-Gong) and learn how simple controlled moves can benefit your health. These introductory classes will leave you feeling calm, in-control and invigorated.

Every Friday from 23 January to 13 March 2009
6:00pm – 7:00pm
Harcourt Park (Sound shell)
Norbert Street, Upper Hutt
FREE

Fun dancing for girls & boys
A chance to bring the children along for a fun interactive dance session with the very talented Anita from Anita’s Dance Academy.

Every Saturday from 24 January to 14 February 2009
11:00am - 11.30am
Harcourt Park (Sound shell)
Norbert Street, Upper Hutt
FREE

Strutt the Mutt – dog walkers!
This is one for you – bring your dog along for a walk and meet other dog owners. Walks will be led by TeAra McInman. All dogs must be registered, and vaccinated. Please register your interest in this session for safety purposes – contact cherry.downing@uhcc.govt.nz.

Sundays 25 January, 8, 22, February, 8 March
8.30am – 9:30am
Trentham Memorial Park , Bartons Ave, Upper Hutt
FREE

ENDS