The public are invited to join the GoDoActive Team and Douglas Borough Council at Noble’s Park on Wednesday 30 July to participate in a day of activity and fun for all ages and support ‘Love Parks Week’.

This free event will run from 12.30pm to 4.30pm and 6pm to 8pm, and offers everyone in the community the chance to try out new activities, join in a variety of sessions and enjoy the facilities in Noble’s Park.  At this family fun event the public will be able to try something new by joining in one of the activity sessions such as walking football, begin to run, bowling, Zumba, Pilates, personal training, walk and talk, Out2Play, learn more about gardening and much more.

Government departments, Douglas Borough Council, private businesses and third sector organisations are fully supporting this event by facilitating a number of sessions throughout the day and being on hand to provide information and advice.  This is the first event of its kind, and if successful the aim is to take it around the Island to other parks.

The GoDoActive initiative was launched last year to support the implementation of the Government’s Physical Activity Strategy 2011 – 2016. The initiative aims to raise awareness of the physical activity opportunities available on the Island.  A database of activities for all ages is available on the Government website and social media is used to keep the public up to date with events and information.

Minister for Health and Social Care, Howard Quayle MHK, said: 'A key aim of the Government’s Physical Activity Strategy is to work collaboratively to increase the number of physical activity opportunities in the Isle of Man.  I am pleased the Department is supporting this event alongside local businesses, the third sector and Douglas Borough Council.  I hope the public will come along and support the event for what promises to be a wonderful day out.'

Dawn Henley, Chair of Physical Activity Strategy Implementation Group, said: 'I am delighted that we have had so much support to run this event and it is a great opportunity for people of all ages to come along and try a new activity.  Regular physical activity has positive effects on many aspects of health and wellbeing, irrespective of age.  Not only can it help maintain and improve general fitness levels, it can also help reduce the risk of developing chronic diseases, such as type 2 diabetes, coronary heart disease, and help reduce falls and injury.'

Councillor Stephen Pitts, Chairman of Douglas Borough Council’s Regeneration and

Community Advisory Committee, said: 'We are pleased to be working with Government and other partners to organise this event. Love Parks Week is the biggest and best celebration of green spaces in the British Isles.  It aims to raise awareness of the importance of parks and green spaces, showcasing the benefits they bring and highlighting the need for continual investment and engagement.'

Anyone who would like to take part in the event by running an activity session or having their information displayed should contact the GoDoActive team. (See panel opposite).

Full details of the day can be found by referring to the panel opposite.