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ACTIVE COMMUNITIES Supporting Local Government in Building Active, Healthy Communities. Suzanne Allard Strutt CEO, BC Recreation and Parks Association Chair, BC Healthy Living Alliance. BCRPA. The provincial voice for the parks, recreation and fitness sector. BCRPA.
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ACTIVE COMMUNITIESSupporting Local Government in Building Active, Healthy Communities Suzanne Allard StruttCEO, BC Recreation and Parks AssociationChair, BC Healthy Living Alliance
BCRPA The provincial voice for the parks, recreation and fitness sector
BCRPA • Inspires and supports community leaders and practitioners to build and sustain healthy communities • Membership is involved in community-based parks and recreation services, programs and facilities • Chair, BC Healthy Living Alliance
Affiliations The BCRPA has strong affiliations with provincial stakeholders: • health • education • sport • justice • multicultural • anti-poverty • social service sectors
BCRPA • Implementation agency for Active Communities • Part of our mandate in community development and active living
Active Communities • Part of a much larger wellness initiative being planned and supported by the Province • Target – to increase the physical activity levels of British Columbians by 20% by the year 2010
Definition • An Active Community is one that promotes and supports a way of life in which physical activity is valued and integrated into daily life • Requires a coordinated strategy
Objectives • Support communities to develop an Active Communities plan • Increase local awareness of the benefits of regular physical activity • Create opportunities to increase activity levels by 20% by the year 2010
Objectives • Strengthen community partnerships • Link with other strategies under ActNow BC and 2010 Legacies Now
Target Populations Inactive: • Children and youth • Girls and young women • Older adults • Aboriginals • Persons with a disability • Economically disadvantaged
What is an Active Community? An Active Community is not defined by geographical location – for example, a community can be: • a municipality • an aboriginal community, or • a wellness coalition
Communities • There may be more than one Active Community within a geographical boundary • Linkages and partnerships within geographical communities are encouraged
Active Community Partnerships • Health Districts/Authorities • Health promotion organizations • School Districts • Related community organizations • Community sport organizations • Spirit of BC Community Committees • Local businesses
Tool Kit • Workbook • Fact Sheets • Self Assessment Checklist and Planning Guide
Workshops • One-day workshops will be conducted on a regional basis to cover the basics of rolling out an Active Communities plan
Evaluation Tool Baseline Data Template • Communities can measure physical activity levels and monitor physical activity improvements • Resources and recommendations on how communities can administer the tool will be provided
Website • Register online - free • Access resources • Share successes
Registration Criteria • City council must officially pass a motion to accept the 20% Physical Activity Challenge by the year 2010 OR • A letter of intent is required from the registering community to establish an Active Communities committee, develop a plan, and commit to working toward the 20% target
Registration Criteria • Must identify an Active Communities leader (i.e. main contact) • Must provide annual status reports on community progress • Must be willing to share plans, success stories, and recommended practices
Grants • Designed to assist communities with the development of an Active Community Plan, or deliver a component of an existing plan • Will be made available to registered communities starting November 2005
Menu of Resources • HIGH FIVE • Everybody gets to play™ • Active Workplace Strategy
Get Involved • Move for Health Day • SummerActive • Bike to Work Week • Spirit of BC Community Committees • 20% Challenge • Way to Go! School Program
Get Started • Make a commitment • Register as an Active Community • Create an Active Community team • Develop an Active Community plan …take up the 20% Challenge!
Contacts Trina Sporer Program Manager, Active Communities BC Recreation and Parks Association 604-629-0965, ext. 24 tsporer@bcrpa.bc.ca Curtis Atkinson Program Coordinator, Active Communities BC Recreation and Parks Association 604-629-0965, ext. 38 catkinson@bcrpa.bc.ca