Con Smith Park Recreational FacilityOutdoor Gym - Adults & Older People

Conor CravenRAPID Coordinator

Cavan County Council

Taoiseach’s Public Service Excellence Awards July 2010

Background

2007- Local Authority had developed 22 children’s playgrounds.

No playground for adults or older people.

Clear gap in service provision.

“Playground for Pensioners” Irish Times.

Background

New Concept –Asia.Playgrounds for Older People

Research indicated that Physical Activity Areas (outdoor gyms) not available in Ireland or UK. Initial focus on playground for Older People (Project Team).Could we develop an age friendly project? Ageing population in Ireland.

Why were these playgrounds developed?

Europe’s older population set to increase significantly (21st Century)

“Now cities are trying to bring the principle of play back into the lives of the elderly. The combination of mental and physical activity can delay the onset of senile dementia”. Times Online- May, 2007

“Three generational play which found that older people recorded significant improvement in balance and coordination. Grandparents and children are encouraged to play together.” University of Lappland, Finland.

Concept developed by Playfit - China late 1990s adults and older people were using outdoor gym equipment in Public Parks.

First playpark for Older People – Berlin (Playfit GmbH)

Project Objectives

Develop an outdoor gym with high quality equipment – benchmark – Local Authorities

Increase in participation in sport and physical exercise amongst adults & Older People

To create a healthier community that results in improved quality of life and life expectancy for adults and older people in Cavan.

Key Challenges

Cavan County Council had not developed a project of this type beforehand.

Starting from scratch.

No design layout or in house experience

Reflect a significant shift in the local authority’s existing play policy.

Key Challenges

New Concept – How to win support for the Idea?

Research indicated no project of its kind and very difficult to design.

Resistance to the projectPublic questioning – Who would use such equipment?

“it always rains in Ireland – need a canopy to keep you dry”

Cost effectiveness of the project

Why would older people need a playground?

How we overcame the Challenges?

Negotiated Co-funding from Department of Community, Rural & Gaeltacht Affairs – Pilot project (RAPID Areas).

Local Authority provide site / co-funding

Feasibility Trip to Germany -viewed Adults & Older People using equipment enthusiastically and safely.

Changed vision of project to be more inclusive and accessible. Focus on adults and older people.

How we overcame the Challenges?

Positive response from Elected Members

Project began to attract local media interest

Integrate new outdoor gym within current play infrastructure – i.e. beside an existing children’s playground in a Public Park in Cavan Town.

Redevelop existing 2km Sli na Slainte Walk.

Key Stakeholders

RAPID AITDepartment of Community, Rural & Gaeltacht AffairsHSE Health Promotion DEPTPositive Age / ICA/ Tullacmongan Golden OldiesCavan Sports PartnershipCavan Lions Club

Innovation through Participation

“The Older Women’s Network is delighted to endorse this initiative which provides older people with an opportunity to exercise in a healthy and innovative way and which also has the added bonus of providing social interaction and an opportunity to provide friendship and support”

(Older Women’s Network Ireland)

Needs & views of Older Persons –participated in the planning process

Consultation Process- Cavan Sport Partnership Strategic Plan

Innovation –delivering health benefits

Each item of equipment is designed to improve the coordination, heart rate and posture of older people and adults.All muscles within the body can benefit due to the variety of available equipment.People can relax and exercise in the fresh air.It is easily accessible and has become a social outlet where families and neighbours utilise the equipment/

Innovation & Creativity

Installation of 12 items of equipment – ensures that many people can use equipment at the same time;Equipment complies with the highest European safety standardsProject is centrally located in a public park-within two minutes of Cavan Town- facilitates social inclusion dimension. E.g. people with disabilities;

Benefits of project

Local Authority is providing a Public Good (outdoor gym) free of charge.

Alternative to the Indoor gym (Fresh Air).

Underpins innovation by Cavan County Council in the provision of public services

Ensures that all age groups can benefit play and recreational facilities

Facilitates social interaction and social inclusion.

Lessons Learned

Project was achievableProject has potential to be adopted nationallyKey Stakeholder input from initiation.Location of facility key to success (integrated)Facilitated intergenerational social and community interaction“Everybody can play no matter what age”All of us will age but how we age depends on the availability of high quality low cost play facilities

Future developments

Project represents very good value for money; (improve physical wellbeing)

A low cost facility which is best practice and demonstrates an example of a project that will have to be deployed in order to promote physical activity and reduce obesity.

For more information on this projectContact:Conor Craven,RAPID Coordinator,Community & Enterprise,Cavan County Council.Email: ccraven@cavancoco.iePhone: (049)4378584