OUTDOOR RECREATION WEEK/OUTDOOR RECREATION DAY
CMI PARTNER:
Rogaland County Council, Norway, working with Outdoor Recreation Board (Friluftsrådet Vest) and 23 NGOs; 13 on the “Outdoor Recreation Day” and 10 more on the “Outdoor Recreation Week”.
WHO WAS MEANT TO DO IT?
Local people, families, children, disabled people and ethnic minorities.
WHAT DID THEY DO?
A variety of outdoor activities was organised in order to tempt the (154,000) inhabitants of the region to take part in a physical activity that they would enjoy, not just on the day of the event but would continue to do so in the future.
HOW DID THEY DO IT?
The following were organised:
1) OUTDOOR RECREATION WEEK
A number of events were organised in various locations across the following municipalities: Karmøy, Haugesund, Tysvær, Vindafjord, Sauda, Bokn (+ Etne, Bømlo, Kvinnherad, Fitjar, Stord and Sveio in Hordaland
2) OUTDOOR RECREATION DAY
Several events were organised in “Djupadalen”, near the city centre of Haugesund.
The events included walking, hiking, orienteering, sailing, rowing, canoeing, kayaking, fishing, rock climbing and balancing games. Traditional food, which had been prepared outdoors, was sold at very reasonable prices
The overall costs were split between the many partners. Local businesses were approached and, as a result, donated money or gifts. The Coast Alive funding was used directly to enable advertising in colour in local and regional newspapers.
HOW MANY PARTICIPATED?
Approximately 2800 people visited Djupadalen on Outdoor Recreation Day.
Approximately 1700 people took part the activities during the Outdoor Recreation Week.
DID IT WORK?
32 events were organised and delivered as planned.
The weather was very bad. Nevertheless, the turnout of people was impressive.
WAS IT SUCCESSFUL?
The key objectives were met, despite bad weather throughout the week.
It was observed that the arrangements attracted “new” outdoor families to participate from the way many newcomers are dressed. The more “non-outdoor clothes” spotted, the happier the organisers were, because it indicated that success in getting new people off their sofas and out into the woods.
OTHER POINTS?
The arrangements were considered so important that it is hoped that this framework for delivering a series of outdoor events will be permanent. Some of the activities would be the same, others would be new. Future events would need to take the weather into consideration, because some of the water activities would not be safe in case of strong wind.
These activities were an excellent “marketing place” for the “Make a new Outdoor Friend” Community Mobilisation Initiative. If hundreds of the participants in Djupadalen, for example, invited a new friend for a walk or other outdoor activities another day – many additional objectives would be met.
