What is the project challenge?
Can we use mobile technology in our parks to keep healthy and active?
Green spaces, such as parks are seen by the majority of public as a key contributor to wellbeing and the environment and have a proven track record in reducing the impact of deprivation and delivering better health and wellbeing adding to the sense of a stronger community. Ryelands Park sits at the north bank of the city of Lancaster near the Ryelands, Vale and Mainway estates, which are areas of deprivation including health. Working with communities connected to Ryelands Park ‘Active Parks: Active Citizens’ aims to tap into people’s familiarity with mobile technology and see how this can be used creatively for keeping more active and healthy. We hope to engage non‐active park users through encouraging different levels of physical activity, to fit into a general walk or dog walking schedule.
What new digital technology is developing?
We will co-create and co-design a mobile digital ‘proof of concept’ prototype with the aim of augmenting a physical health trail in the park. Active Parks will bring and connect the digital (a mobile app) with the physical world (i.e. showing videos or animations on how to do exercises using physical objects in the park, such as benches, lampposts, etc. and setting game challenges).
Who are involved?
Following from the Health Trail project, Active Parks: Active Citizens, will develop connections with local residents in Ryelands Park, the “Friends of Ryelands Park” group, Lancaster City Council, Lancashire County Council Public Health and Lancaster Institute for Contemporary Arts at Lancaster University.
Join us by attending our first workshop!
Please register here: http://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/active-parks-1st-workshop-registration-10839694819
What are the intended Impacts?
We intend to share the positive effects of co-design and co-creation through workshops utilising entrusted technologies, to engage existing and new park users, to increase the healthy activity use of the park.
We will share the outcomes of our research through council seminars, academic conferences and with organisations such as the British Heart Foundation, and Age Concern UK.