Latest News
Photo courtesy City of Richmond
Supporting our overall health and well-being
Published 4:27 PDT, Thu April 28, 2022
Last Updated: 4:32 PDT, Thu April 28, 2022
—
What is it about Richmond, that meets our needs and enhances capacity in citizens today? I would argue it is the programs, services, and gathering places that are available to us. With a vast array of civic infrastructure, programs, well-trained staff, and open spaces, we have the opportunity to strengthen our mental well-being and physical health.
Council Strategic Plan 2018-2022 Goal #4: An Active and Thriving Richmond, supports our shared vision in many areas. I’d recommend further reading into these on the City website: Community Wellness Strategy 2018-2023, Recreation and Sport Strategy 2018-2023, Ecological Network Management Strategy, and the 2022 Parks and Open Space Strategy.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, we have seen a definite hit to our mental well-being and physical health due to decreased connection, facility closures, and programs on hiatus. Our local geography, sitting between mountain ranges, shores swept by the river and ocean, speckled with spectacular biodiversity and open spaces have been a valued asset. Many are within easy walking or rolling distance.
It is clear to me that cities can, and do, provide far more than is often noticed. Here are a few valuable contributions to an active and thriving Richmond:
• Richmond Community Food Asset Map—a new tool uniting partners to address food insecurity.
• Richmond Community Profile Data Sources—which uncovers opportunities for lifelong involvement in recreation and sport.
• Richmond’s Ecological Network—an interconnected system of natural areas enhanced by community stewardship and scientific collaboration.
• Blue Network of Parks—a fundamental connection to our city’s edge, the Fraser River and estuary.
On my most recent circumnavigation of Lulu Island in my trusty nine-foot boat, I took in the sights of our entire shoreline, stopping to pick up debris tangled in the branches or washed up on sand bars. I couldn’t help but notice many Richmond residents of all ages and abilities out being active and enjoying similar views. The dike provides a special kind of open space feel. Richmond is fortunate to have Dike Master Plans (funded in part by homeowner utility fees) that not only protect us from flood water, but provide us with 49km of space to enjoy.
As our community centres, arenas, pools, and culturally significant sites rebound from the pandemic lows, we will strive to bound back even better. With current City policies and recreational strategies, we hope that you engage in new opportunities and gain new skills as you set your routine to (re)connect with others, be it your local health and wellness provider, lifeguard, coach, or City maintenance worker. What the planet needs more of right now, is more people who live well in their places.
Let’s be those people.
2 Hours of free financial consulting
Jai Xin Planning Ltd.
C$120.00 C$0.00
Use any of our home staging service and get a second month rental for free!
MiiX Interiors
C$500.00 C$0.00
Get 10% off any order
Phantom Screens Lower Mainland
C$200.00 C$180.00
