Supporting Activity for All
Different groups within communities will have varying needs to support them in leading healthy lifestyles, which is something that Sport England’s Active Design guidance recognises through it’s first principle – ‘Activity for All’.
In the design and development of places, it’s crucial to recognise that one size will not fit all, and that places should cater for the needs across the range of residents that reside with them, considering factors such as age, gender, and physical ability, but also the specific wants and preferences of those who interact with their local built and natural environment.
Recognising and reacting to these needs can support developments in demonstrating that they are sustainable by promoting strong, vibrant and healthy communities – which is fundamental to the social role of planning.
Examples of supporting Activity for All may include considering;
Children and Young People
Engaging children in physical activity early can help establish patterns and behaviours which they may carry into later life – subsequently supporting their health and wellbeing in both the short and long term.
The design of places should encourage play through formal provision – such as parks and playgrounds – as well as providing informal opportunities by providing playable places, with safe spaces for children to be physically active on the doorstep.
Voice Opportunity Power has been developed to support the involvement of children and young people in the making and managing of their neighbourhoods.
Image source: Sport England and the National Forest.
An Ageing Population
On the whole, people within our communities are living longer, and therefore the needs to support people to age well is crucial. Despite this, many older adults fail to meet recommended activity levels. In addition, isolation has been recognised as a significant issue facing older age groups.
The design of places should consider needs such as providing walkable communities – with easy access to open spaces, shops and other amenities – as well as ensuring routes are safe, well-lit and attractive, with rest opportunities such as seating placed appropriately to support active travel and recreation.
Consideration should also be given to appropriate wayfinding – to support navigation, but also to provide a visual prompt and promotion of places to be active locally.
Image source: Sport England Active Design
The Needs of Disabled People
Provision should also be made to support disabled people in leading active lifestyles. This may include disabled people with impairments including those who have sensory or physical impairments.
Local environments and local facilities often provide the first opportunity for disabled people to be more active – whether through active travel, play, sport, recreation or other purposes. Place making should therefore consider how design can be made inclusive to all.
Image source: Sport England Active Design
Effective Community Consultation
Those responsible for the design and shaping of places have an opportunity to implement a variety of interventions to support activity for all, and may adopt tried and tested means of doing so.
To maximise positive outcomes in the design and delivery process, community consultation is recommended to hear direct from the communities impacted by development, allowing them to contribute toward and have a sense of ownership over their local area.
Image source: “Wyverstone Community Cafe” by oatsy40 is licensed under CC BY 2.0
Further guidance is available on supporting Activity for All through Sport England’s Active Design guidance and through the resources identified below.
Make the most of the Healthy Place Making platform
As well as ensuring you are always in the know about future changes and updates to Healthy Place Making, registering with us will enable to you to curate your own project boards that you can share with others – helping you to embrace the Healthy Place Making approach to find, curate and collaborate on making healthier places for all of our residents.