CAO message builds connections in Picton, Ont.
BY SARAH WILLIS
The Come Alive Outside message resonated with Scott Wentworth OALA, of the Scott Wentworth Landscape Group in Picton, Ont. "We’ve all heard the statistics that have resulted from our sedentary lifestyle — that childhood obesity has risen 350 per cent since 1976 and the Heart and Stroke Foundation’s report that 59 per cent of Canadians are now overweight or obese. Yet we don’t question these facts; no one is doing anything about the problem," says Wentworth.
The Scott Wentworth Landscape Group has been designing outdoor spaces and actively involved in the local community for years. The company’s 20th anniversary seemed like the right time to embrace Come Alive Outside and energize the community.
Picton is the county seat of Prince Edward County, a close-knit community on the northeastern shore of Lake Ontario which, thanks to the leadership and urging of the Scott Wentworth Landscape Group, has officially declared itself the first Come Alive Outside Community in North America. As part of his commitment to this movement, Wentworth hired a Come Alive Outside program coordinator last summer to arrange and publicize events that encouraged people to get outside and be active.
In June 2011, Wentworth formed a Come Alive Outside committee with representatives from the municipal community, services department, board of education, the business community, service clubs, the family health services team, sports associations and the media specialist for the chamber of commerce and tourism. "By July 1, we were able to celebrate our first Come Alive Outside event. Picton’s B.I.A. offered us the use of a parking lot, on which we laid 6,400 ft. sq. of sod." Wentworth says the event was a great success, with families coming out to experience the lost art of unstructured play in the temporary green space.
"We’ve had wonderful support from the green industry, as well as other leaders in the community," says Wentworth. "Our committee presented an outdoor activity event plan to the community that takes us through December 2012."
A big focus for this year is the creation of a two-km fitness trail that touches schools, childcare centres and a community centre. Interestingly enough, Wentworth notes that a year ago, the Parks and Recreation Department completed a survey of activity levels in the County. "We’re hoping that another survey in a year’s time will show an increase in outdoor activity."
Wentworth is proud to report all his employees have been energized by the Come Alive Outside message, and as a bonus, spearheading this worthy program has enhanced the company’s image as a leader in the community.
