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Outdoor fitness zone increases activity levels in Watford
By Aoife Dowling
The first of a planned series of community facilities inspired by the legacy of London 2012 has proven successful as a way to increase levels of physical activity in communities.
The Sports Legacy Zone (SLZ), created by outdoor play equipment specialists Proludic, is a play and fitness area designed for use by the community.
The first SLZ was installed in Watford’s Meriden Estate in April 2012. Research showed that the local community had activity levels below the national average.
However, a study carried out eight months after the SLZ had been installed found that it had made a strong impact on Meriden Park’s Olympic legacy.
The number of people exercising at least twice a week had risen from 19 per cent to 24 per cent and those exercising between two and four times a month had risen from 23 per cent to 35 per cent.
As well as being used on a daily basis by the community’s children, the SLZ was also increasing activity amongst the adult population.
The first of a planned series of community facilities inspired by the legacy of London 2012 has proven
successful as a way to increase levels of physical activity in communities.
HAF,RES
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