Cases

Physically active young people in the neighbourhood, Mölndal, Sweden

Interview with Christer Hjort, the Department of Culture and Leisure in Mölndal.

Jeanette Fich Jespersen

Åby, Mölndal, is a social housing complex near Gothenburg. The site has two schools, and over the past two years, plenty of space has been made available for outdoor physical activity.

Christer Hjort, the Department of Culture and Leisure in Mölndal,  explains:
“I held a number of discussions with young teenagers in the area, and it transpired that their school and leisure areas were rather worn out. Also, they weren't relevant to the wishes of young people. So, I started a survey to find out what they really wanted. Girls and boys were interviewed separately to get opinions from both angles.”

It soon became clear that the boys were keen to have some places where they could play ball games, preferably with a hard surface and a fenced-in area so that they did not have to keep running to fetch the ball back. Also, they wanted to be able to use it during the day and in the evenings, summer and winter.

“So we created two pitches. This way, in winter, we can have an ice rink on the one with low edges, specially designed for this purpose.

“For girls, ball games were not the top priority. They said the place needed to look inviting, be clean and tidy, with somewhere to sit. They also emphasised a desire for trees and bushes. Another top priority for them were obstacle courses with climbing facilities.”

Two trainee teachers interviewed the children and young people and ascertained that the area is a success. Furthermore, the sports teachers at the two local schools have told us that it has widened the scope for outdoor activities during lesson time.

“The young people have been involved in the process every step of the way, offering suggestions about what they would like. Of course, I’ve also thrown in the weight of my experience, but input from young people was vital. I believe it gives a positive sense of ownership – and it’s important for them to see something of their own image in the place,” comments Christer.

The youngsters liked the design of the area: it is aesthetically cohesive, and there is lighting in the late afternoon and early evening. Adults who initially expressed concerns about vandalism because the place was being created for young people have had to think again: there has been no vandalism whatsoever at the site during the two years of its existence. “On the contrary - the number of windows in the residential area smashed by footballs has reduced tremendously!”