Don't Be Fooled by the Fun

We're on a Mission to Get Kiwis Active

We bring the colour,?laughter,?and rides,?but our real purpose is far more serious:?to get New Zealand moving.

The last Active NZ Participation Survey tells us that in 2022, the proportion of rangatahi who met the physical activity guidelines was as low as 46% and that adult participation has dropped since COVID.

Active Design: The Secret Weapon

Our work is based on a concept called Active Design.?Imagine a park or place that makes you want to jump in and play,?where getting active is part of your daily routine.?That's Active Design in action. Active environments are particularly important for people who don't have the means to pay for gyms, memberships or team subs. The Three Pillars of Active Environments formulated by Sport England are:

Active Travel

Making it easy and safe to walk,?bike,?or scooter to places you need to go.

Active, High-Quality Places

Creating parks and spaces that draw you in and make you want to get active.

Creating and Maintaining Activity

Achieving true "activity for all" requires tailored programs, particularly for marginalised groups, to overcome social barriers and enjoy the benefits of physical activity.

How's New Zealand Doing?

We're progressing on Active Travel,?with more walking and biking paths being built but when it comes to Active Places,?there's huge potential to create better spaces for everyone.?Many parks are great for kids,?but what about adults and teens??

Building Active Places for Everyone

That's where we come in!?We design Active Places like basketball courts,?multi-sport courts, pump tracks,?and fitness areas,?all chosen based on what people in your community want.?But we know every neighbourhood is unique,?so we take local needs and preferences into account.

Successful active places?strike a balance between inspiration and functionality.?They should be?vibrant, inviting and well-equipped for the intended sport or activity. These spaces prioritise?safety, comfort, and opportunities for friendly competition, creating a?sense of community that draws people in and keeps them coming back.

Other facilities we promote to our clients target females, and families, include volleyball, outdoor roller skate rinks and multi courts for tennis and fitness. We also promote covered courts and lighting for all-weather play.

The Benefits Go Beyond the Physical

Active Design isn't just about exercise.?It can:

Reduce Traffic and Carbon Emissions

More people walking,?biking,?and using public transport means fewer cars on the road, making commutes easier for everyone and reducing our emissions.

Boost the Mood

Spending time outdoors and being active can fight stress and anxiety.

Build Stronger Communities

Vibrant public spaces encourage people to connect with their neighbours and develop a sense of belonging.

“Wow, this pump track was going off on Saturday morning. Very popular, new families turning up every 15 minutes. Heaps of youngsters building their courage and having fun. Dads and mums having a go. Great idea! Thanks very much to Howick Local Board.”

Wayne Erb

Making Active Design a Reality

To create truly active communities,?we need everyone on board:?urban planners,?landscape architects,?architects and even public health professionals.?Here's what matters most:

Location, Location, Location

Active Design features should be easy to get to from home.

All Year Fun

Lights,?shelters,?and all-weather surfaces keep the fun going year-round.

Open to All

Everyone,?regardless of age or ability,?should be able to enjoy these spaces.

By working together,?we can transform New Zealand's cities and towns into healthier,?happier,?and more vibrant places for everyone.

So next time you see us on a project,?remember:?we're on a mission to get Kiwis moving!?

Join us and let's get Aotearoa active! Contact us to chat.

[email protected]

+64 9 871 0256

parklife.co.nz