Strategy: Walkway Signage
Blackall-Tambo Regional Council was one of nine 10,000 Steps Community Grant recipients awarded funding for the implementation of 10,000 Steps Community Strategies in 2017. Blackall-Tambo Regional Council had recently constructed a new pathway from the river camp area to the Blackall Hospital, fondly referred to as Blackall's Pathway to Health, which was designed to encourage physical activity and connectivity.
Background
Blackall-Tambo Regional Council is a local government dedicated to building an active community by implementing many programs to improve and increase the physical activity and health of the 2,250 local residents, many of whom are classified as obese. Along with newly installed pathway and walkway signage, the Blackall-Tambo Regional Council also delivered funded exercise programs, installing exercise equipment and constructing fitness centres.
Implementation
- Installed signs every 250 steps along the 8km walking track.
- A 'step' stencil was created and marked alongside each bollard to emphasise the message.
Outcomes
- The signage is assisting and encouraging local residents to be more active.
- Since its completion the path has had more people using it every morning and afternoon.
- Public feedback on the local community page indicates positive attitudes towards walking.
- The signage will sustain the 10,000 Steps messaging beyond the funding timeframe.
“Thumbs up to the new path up to the hospital. We get out there every afternoon and walk, scoot, ride up and down. I've noticed more and more people out walking dogs, jogging, bike riding. It's a very social outing and a safe place to take little ones to ride through the parks without worrying about the traffic. My kids love it!”