Active Communities Investment Project shines in first year in Upper Hutt
Upper Hutt City Council’s (UHCC) Activation programme has achieved exceptional results during its first year of implementation with 12,000 people participating in 38 activities.
Summary
Activation was launched in January 2007, with the support of SPARC Active Communities Investment, to increase sustainable activity in the region. Activation uses five key strategies (Policy, Partnerships, Processes, Promotion and Programmes) to support the Upper Hutt community to become more active. The strategies assist clubs and schools to provide opportunities for participation across a spectrum of ability. This is matched by helping different groups in the community to participate in those opportunities.
The project was founded on a solid base after evolving from the Upper Hutt Active Recreation Plan. The planning process initiated through the Physical Activity Plan structure ensured that strong collaborative partnerships were developed and a solid grounding in the community was established.
The first year was all about provision of activities designed to entice all ages across the Upper Hutt community to get more active. As a result Activation now has a strong profile in the community thanks to good credibility and high visibility.
Credibility has been created by following through on promises and visibility has been gained by staging high profile events such as the Touch NZ Nationals at Maidstone Park, the Upper Hutt Sports Expo and Youthtown launch, and the Activation Duathlon Series. Other new initiatives have been less about profile and more about filling gaps in physical activity and sport opportunities.
The project has been driven by three UHCC staff members - the Active Recreation Manager, the Active Communities Coordinator and the Active Clubs Coordinator. The three have been involved since inception. Subsequent Youthtown support has also enabled the creation of two further positions- a Youthtown Development Officer and an Activation Schools Activator.
After such a successful first year of implementation the 2008 focus is now about assisting and developing the capability and sustainability of sports clubs, active recreation groups, and school initiatives in the area.
Updated | 08 Dec 2008.
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