Short case studies
Short case studies
How to use the outdoor gyms in Fairfield, NSW
Fairfield has several outdoor Gyms in Parks, but noticed they were not being well-used. Therefore, Fairfield City Council developed online ‘how to use’ videos posting these
on their website as well as a free 7-week exercise program using the outdoor fitness
equipment and walking tracks across two local parks, guided by qualified fitness instructors. Exercises focus on body weight training using the equipment and participants receive free fitness assessments at the start and end of the program.
Safe Active Streets in the City of Stirling, WA
Safe Active Streets are active travel routes on quiet local streets that are selected as they form part of wider bicycle networks, connecting to off road shared paths and linking community amenities such as schools, railway stations or shops.
In the City of Stirling’s Safe Active Streets:
• speeds have been reduced to 30 km/hr to allow for a safer shared street space;
• road widths have been narrowed by introducing on-street parking and plantings, and single lane slow points and intersection changes, including traffic islands and medians, have been introduced to help create low speed residential precincts; and
• lower vehicle speeds (achieved in some Safe Active Streets but not all) aim to improve amenity for the community and are much safer for people walking, bike riders of all ages and abilities and people driving.
Health and Wellbeing Strategy and Area Structure Planning in George Town, Tas
George Town is embracing community health and wellbeing in their Health and Wellbeing Strategy 2024-2030 which, among other things, prioritises the creation of supportive natural, built, commercial and social environment that are safe and inclusive and position the healthy option as the default option, including through:
• maintaining safe, accessible and appealing public playgrounds and open spaces and facilities for physical activity;
• engaging diverse groups in the development of their aquatic health and wellbeing centre;
• promoting the George Town Mountain Bike Trails and the George Town Park Run, and
• committing to secure access to nutritious food.
In addition, the George Town Area Structure Plan 2021 seeks to improve attributes of the built environment to support positive outcomes for community wellbeing, including through:
• housing diversity to create a local population large enough to support a vibrant community, and allow older residents to access suitable and affordable housing;
• improved access to public transport and safe and attractive streetscapes, natural surveillance and adequate shade and rest locations; and
• mixed-use neighbourhoods with employment, recreation, education, retail, and access to healthy food, all interwoven with cycling, walking and public transport access.