Thousands to enjoy free, fun activities this summer as ParkLives comes to Southampton

Southampton residents will be able to take advantage of hundreds of free and fun activity sessions as ParkLives launches in the city for the first time from today ParkLives, a national programme from Coca-Cola Great Britain delivered in partnership with Active Nation, will offer free and fun activity sessions in parks and green spaces across the region. From jogging and cricket, to Family Fun sessions and paddle board yoga, ParkLives is designed to appeal to all ages and abilities, giving people the opportunity to get out and enjoy their parks and green spaces with a range of sports, games and activities on offer. The programme will offer 20 different activities, all completely free, and led by a trained activity leader from the local area.  Residents can view a full timetable and reserve a space online at www.parklives.com. The action kicks off this week and will run through to September, with an extended programme running throughout the summer holidays. Sessions will run in 11 parks and green spaces across the city including:  

• Mansel Park
• Riverside Park
• Hoglands Park
• Weston Shore
• Southampton Common

  Mike Harris, service director for Growth of Southampton City Council, said: “The ParkLives programme will be a hugely welcome addition to the wellbeing opportunities currently on offer in Southampton. These free activities will build on the other successes in the city, such as the ABP Southampton Half Marathon and 10K, Sky Ride and the weekly parkruns, which are some of the most successful in the UK. As a city we’re keen to help everyone increase their wellbeing and encourage them to get out into the great outdoors. Delivering these easily accessible events is a great opportunity for local families to get meet new people. This in turn may act as a stepping stone for young people and families to engage in further activity in the future, potentially leading to a lifelong interest in leading a healthy lifestyle.” Liz Lowe, ParkLives lead at Coca-Cola Great Britain, said: “ParkLives is all about bringing communities together to enjoy fun, free activities in their local green spaces and we’re delighted to be launching in Southampton this year.  It’s an opportunity to get out there and try something new with your friends and family, have fun and be active in the great outdoors.  For many years we have supported programmes that invest in the wellbeing of local communities – and ParkLives is a long-term partnership programme which does just that. Now in its third year, it’s fantastic to see the programme go from strength to strength and expand nationwide to ten cities across the UK.” ParkLives launched in 2014 and is part of a £20 million commitment by Coca-Cola Great Britain to invest in community-based projects that help people be active. The programme now runs in ten cities across the UK including Birmingham, Dundee, Glasgow, Manchester, Newcastle, Nottingham, Newham (London), Swansea, Southampton and Stoke-On-Trent.   A full timetable – including a postcode-led local park finder – can be found at www.parklives.com where people can register to book a free activity session for themselves, as well as friends and family.