| September 25, 2009 SURREY – Surrey seniors are celebrating the grand opening of the Fleetwood ActNow BC Seniors Park at Fleetwood Community Centre to help keep seniors active and engaged in the community. “Seniors are the fastest growing demographic in Surrey and B.C. and we’re committed to helping them live healthy, active and independent lives,” says Surrey-Tynehead MLA Dave S. Hayer. “Our park will not only encourage older Surrey residents to get out and be active, but will offer a place to connect and socialize, which is vital to older adults’ health and well-being.” “Through our ActNow BC Seniors Community Parks, we’re supporting B.C. communities to plan for an aging population – and offer more safe, accessible places for older people to get out and be active,” says Surrey-Cloverdale MLA Kevin Falcon. “This is just one of a number of initiatives we are funding to support older British Columbians in living healthier, more active lives.” “Engaging with others and getting active is a great way to improve your quality of life,” says Surrey-Panorama MLA Stephanie Cadieux. “This project is a great example of our commitment to helping seniors live healthy, active and independent lives. The park is a great addition to Surrey.” The Fleetwood Seniors Park features a circular design and several stations where seniors can exercise on outdoor equipment. The Ministry of Healthy Living and Sport contributed $91,085 towards the new recreation area, part of a $1.8 million investment allocated in 18 communities throughout British Columbia. The City of Surrey contributed approximately $32,000 to the local project. Following through on a commitment from the 2008 Throne Speech, the ActNow BC Seniors Community Parks are designed to help older adults stay mobile, physically active and healthy in their communities. These parks provide specialized outdoor recreational equipment and activities designed to improve mobility, coordination and balance. As a fitness gathering place these parks also offer opportunities for social interaction, a critical healthy living component for seniors. This park supports government’s ActNow BC goal of increasing the percentage of the population that is physically active by 20 per cent and reducing by 20 per cent, the percentage of B.C. adults who are overweight or obese. The parks are a priority action in Seniors in BC: A Healthy Living Framework – B.C.’s action plan to support older British Columbians to live healthy active lives. To read about other initiatives in the Seniors in BC: A Healthy Living Framework visit: http://www.hls.gov.bc.ca/seniors/PDFs/seniors_framework_web.pdf -30- | |
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