Richmond to Receive New Seniors Community Park

by John Yap, MLA Richmond-Steveston
(Steveston, BC Canada)

The Province will provide up to $100,000 for an ActNow BC Seniors Community Park in Richmond's Hugh Boyd Park, part of a $1.8 million investment for 18 communities throughout British Columbia.

"I am thrilled that our seniors will have such an outstanding facility to help them stay active and healthy," said Richmond-Steveston MLA John Yap. "It's a very proactive initiative. As our population ages, it is crucial that we help our communities become more accessible and age-friendly. It is especially important that we help seniors maintain a high quality of life and stay connected with their neighbours."

Fulfilling a commitment from the 2008 Throne Speech, ActNow BC Seniors Community Parks are designed to help older adults stay mobile, physically active and healthy in their communities. Inspired by the Lions Wellness Park in Tsawwassen, also supported by government, these parks will provide specialized outdoor recreational equipment and activities designed to improve mobility, coordination and balance, as well as opportunities for social interaction - a critical healthy living component for older people.

In this first round of parks, the Province is providing 18 local governments with funding of up to $100,000 for purchase and installation of the physical activity equipment. Local governments will provide land, site preparation, ongoing maintenance and program delivery for each of the park locations. The parks will be installed in each community by Spring 2009.

The ActNow BC Seniors Community Parks are a priority action in the recently launched Seniors in BC: A Healthy Living Framework action plan for seniors - B.C.'s framework 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.cd.gov.bc.ca/seniors/PDFs/seniors_framework_web.pdf