Active Communities Strategy launched

New Zealand sport and recreation agency SPARC has joined with local partners to promote Hamilton's status as an 'active city'.

SPARC board member Nicki Turner launched the Active Communities Strategy 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, Perry Group Ltd, Waikato District Health Board, University of Waikato, Wintec, Life Unlimited Trust and SPARC.

Hamilton Deputy Mayor Pippa Mahood endorsed the strategy, adopted by Council last week, stating "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 and he states "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, 58 kilometre 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. 

12th December 2008 - PROJECT SPARKS SWIMMING BOOM IN THAMES VALLEY DISTRICT

8th September 2008 - ENVIRONMENTS TO SUPPORT HEALTHY LIFESTYLES AND ACTIVITY

19th May 2008 - SPARC APPOINTS NEW CHIEF EXECUTIVE