Intrinsically, there is a shared human need to move our bodies – regardless of background, age, race, gender, education, or ability. As we progress, our human needs – however constant – are also able to expand for greater experiences. Namely, moving our bodies for physiological purposes evolves to recreation, leisure, exploration, enjoyment, connection and stimulation alongside the physical mechanism of movement. We recognise sport, movement and physical activity as a democratic and inclusive way everyone can take space and make place in their neighbourhood. In theory, regardless of one’s economic background, one can step outside the home and use the outdoor-scape to walk, run, play etc. Unfortunately, this is not equally accessible for all persons. Those without stable housing or work, or that lack safety, must face intense life stresses that outweigh the daily need for a walk or physical play.

Through community participation and the co-creation of our built environment (both major foundations in placemaking), in terms of the hardware and more importantly the social norms and organisational governance; we can use our political will to motivate representational change for the better. In every neighbourhood this can materialise differently, but ultimately, through placemaking we can mitigate social cohesion with deep listening, implement a mentality of the commons, crystalise social infrastructures and promote local economies so that residents may feel able and empowered to use the public space for their human wishes and needs – physical activity being a major one. In this way we are able to join the right to movement and the “right to the city.”

Please read more in the article here: https://park.bgbeactive.org/the-connection-between-placemaking-physical-activity/ 

And in the toolkit here: https://park.bgbeactive.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/03.-Article_Placemaking-physical-activity_PARK.pdf or download below.