Providing opportunities for residents of all ages to get active and enjoy a healthy lifestyle is something we are passionate about as a borough.
Getting active can mean different things to different people, so offering a range of opportunities to get involved in is really important.
It is not just about the physical benefits of moving and exercise - having the chance to connect with people, make friends and enjoy the outdoors all have huge benefits for our overall well-being.
We have wonderful parks and green spaces across the Royal Borough of Kingston, and one of the initiatives we launched last summer to help families and children get outside and play is ParkPlay.
ParkPlay is two hours of free active community games for people of all ages.
The idea behind it is that we build happier and healthier communities by getting out and playing.
I’m really delighted that a new weekly ParkPlay has just launched at Fairfield Recreation Ground.
Kicking off on Saturday 5th April, it got off to a brilliant start, with 65 people heading to Fairfield to have fun and join in games and activities with play leaders.
ParkPlay is run by the local community, for the community, and is supported by the National Lottery and Sport England.
If you think you could help to establish ParkPlay in your area, please get in touch with sports@kingston.gov.uk.
As part of our £1.3 million Community Parks investment programme, the new playground at Fairfield also opened at the start of May.
The accessible play equipment set in a fully fenced-off area, was designed in consultation with the local community.
As well as opportunities for children and families to enjoy getting active, we also had a great event aimed at older residents in April.
The Move Well, Live Well Age Friendly Leisure and Activities Fair took place at Chessington School and Sports Centre.
The event was a huge success, with volunteers from 21 clubs and community organisations there to let people know what’s on offer around the borough.
There were taster activity sessions attended by over 100 residents, including bowls, yoga, tai chi and gentle seated exercises.
The event was part of the council’s Age Friendly programme.
You can find out more about what’s on offer to help you get active and get involved in clubs and community events at www.connectedkingston.uk.
As well as organised clubs and events, getting outside in our green spaces is a great way to get active.
One of my favourites is Tolworth Court Farm Fields.
Kingston Council has been working in partnership with Citizen Zoo, Community Brain and local communities to rewild the area.
With funding from the National Lottery Heritage Fund and the Mayor's Rewild London Fund we are restoring the historic wetland habitats and maximising the site's significance for wildlife.
Activities, initiatives and spaces like these help to create strong and connected communities that are vital to the well-being, prosperity and future of the borough.
Share