Description
The skate rink was established in January and February 2016 by reducing parking space, based on a municipal plan for the city centre, which was adopted in January 2015. In winter of 2016, the parking lot of the city of Horten was suddenly unused by cars because of the freezing cold and a large amount of snow. The municipality came up with the idea of turning this space into an unusual spot for ice-skating. The trick has been simple and almost at zero cost. The surface of the parking lot has been cleared out of the snow and the parking lot covered with water soon turned into thick ice. This created an amazing ice-skating park in the middle of the city. Locals were initially surprised, but then started to enjoy it during the day and night. The city offered special lightening for evening ice skating, and a group of volunteers distributed ice-skates to borrow. Ice-skating is free and open to everybody open during the day until 10. p.m.
The project is a part of a multi-level governance approach to public health within the Regional Plan for Public Health with the main objectives to prevent and reduce social inequalities in health and strengthening the partnership for public health in Vestfold, and also to inspire young people to outdoor physical activity and play in winter period. It is a part of the plan to create attractions and reasons to seek out and use outdoor space in different seasons, and to find ways to enhance city life and urban transformation.
Results and impact
Local people welcomed the renewed spot for sport. This parking lot became the new meeting place for a lot of kids at different ages and for their parents as well. It is also a place for integration: new comers as refugees newly arrived in Norway never experienced such a cold winter before, and had here their first ice-skating training with locals. Ice skating can be a lot more entertaining after one understand this act can boost his confidence to try new abilities and practice new moves. As Horten Ice Skating is entertaining for both adults and kids alike, it is really crucial to note that this physical exercise may be really strenuous and tiring especially if one has not mastered its abilities before. It is a great opportunity to establish the partnership between public health actors, the county and the municipality.
The project was realized due to common implementation of plans based on budget allocation of relevant tasks according to deadlines, procurement and implementation. There was a direct dialogue, little bureaucracy, and it was based on current public procurement regulations. Municipal politicians, planners and technical personnel cooperated across disciplines and responsibilities to reach common goals for the benefit of residents and visitors.
Type of activity
Programmes promoting activity
Regular outdoor trainings/courses
Health promotion in tourism
Place: Horten, Vestfold county, Norway
Territorial level: Local
Organizer: Municipality of Horten
Source: http://urbact.eu/health-public-spaces-challenge-inactive-citizens-cities | www.horten.kommune.no | www.gjengangeren.no/