RENOVATION for RECREATION | Bringing Active Recreation into People’s Lives
The Vision These areas would be designed, or re-designed, with alluring attractions and easy accessibility to promote fitness, social interaction and healthy lifestyles. Uses would be specific to the area, but should include activities fit for all ages, such as junior play lots, soccer fields, tennis courts, bocce ball and shuffleboard. Elements of the recreational areas can also serve an educational purpose through the implementation of demonstrative gardens with associated signage explaining native plant palettes and landscaping principles.
Active recreational parks also contribute to a sense of community character and social connectivity. In a generation of Bluetooth wireless technology, three-dimensional video games and online virtual reality worlds, many lose touch with personal communication and interaction. Especially in large dense cities, fitness is now commonly a process of getting into a car/bus/subway and commuting to a massive concrete structure of impervious surfaces containing various individualized equipment and machinery (a gym), in which people hook up to their Ipods and proceed to robotically workout in an repetitive and solitude demeanor. On the contrary, recreational areas can provide an inviting place for neighbors to meet, interact and take advantage of various active recreational opportunities. Designated barbeque areas, pavilions and public gathering establishments would entice conversation and connectivity within a community.
The progression of park areas in all communities ultimately enhances the environment due to increased foliage and pervious surfaces, in addition to promoting walkable communities. It is easy to get caught up in large scale initiatives for a cleaner sustainable environment, but we mustn’t lose site of the relatively simple small-scale changes that can reap significant benefits. Renovation for recreation initiates bringing active recreation into people’s lives around the globe, contributing to a healthier way of life.
Sydney Challenge December 11, 2007
Submission # 1
Asha R. Saunders Renovation for Recreation