Sandra's+Public+Space

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Descriptive words | Research Statement | Background | Critical Position | Data | Opportunities | Resources | Observations | Panorama======

=**Bishop's Cross**= This area mainly contains an indoor skating rink, two baseball fields, a soccer field and a park. But all along the fields and the park is an exercise path that weaves its way through the park. This path has 10 stations where you would stop and follow instructions for different stretches and strength training exercises.



Descriptive words

Quaint, hidden, secluded, under-used, old, quiet, inactive

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Research Statement

To research on Canada's inactivity profiles and compare and contrast to Bishop's Cross, an under-used park. Inactivity in Toronto is a growing problem and people should be educated on health risks and the facilities available to them. I want to emphasize the disadvantages and dangers of being physically inactive.

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Background

Bishop's Cross is a park located in Thornhill. It includes two baseball fields (one larger than the other), a soccer field, a children's park, and an indoor hockey arena. A fitness trail is located within the park that weaves through all of these spaces. It is 19 acres

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Critical position

Canadians are not getting enough exercise even though there are many great FREE facilities out there. Instead of paying hundreds of dollar for a gym, Bishop's Cross has a great fitness path that won't cost a penny. Physical fitness is extremely important for health and your overall well being. Most importantly children are not getting enough exercise and outdoor activities to sustain a long and healthy life. Child obesity is very common, and could lead to frightening complications like heart disease, stroke, diabetes and even premature death.

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Data collection and analysis

Photography Documenting observations Research and analysis of statistics, news articles, public testimonials and complaints

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Opportunities

One of the things I think is most important is to let people know that this park is in their neighbourhood and what it has. Second, I think this park has the potential to be a great social area, for kids to meet and even co-workers to have lunch or get together. Lastly, A park this big has great possibilities like picnics and barbecues for family or community get togethers.

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Resources

Inactivity.pdf -- This pdf is an extensive look at how physical activity benefits your health. It includes many studies done in British Columbia.

Toronto Health -- This study shows statistics on physical inactivity within Ontario and Canada.

Inactivity a major physical hazard -- This article talks about how doing physical activity outside in the sun "is how we evolve".

The mind and physical activity -- This website illustrates what physical activity can do for the mind and the overall well being of a person.

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Observations

No one was on the exercise path. Lots of nature (even though the path is among soccer and baseball fields it is mostly covered by trees, and almost hidden) Most of the path is made up of red rocks, but some of it has disappeared and hardly give evidence of a path All the signage is old and washed out Provides all the tools needed for a successful workout. It was between 3 and 4 in the afternoon which might explain why there was hardly anyone there. Some graffiti on exercise stations Train very close by There was a male on the bleacher at the soccer field talking on the phone There was a female who sat on the bleachers by the small baseball diamond Very beautiful area that is mostly hidden because of the characteristics of the park and it’s layout

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Panorama



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