It seems that Sweden and other Scandinavian countries extravagantly invest in getting everyone outside in all weathers. It’s just part of the culture; whether cold, wet or snow, there are many enticing ways to keep people out there. The paths are wide enough for both bikes and walkers, the invention of the cargo bike in Holland has been adopted by many Swedes who layer-up their children with merino wool and technical clothing to brave the storms. I love this. I enjoyed following a cargo bike with small children and attending on of the many outdoor parks and nature reserves within proximity where there is so much to do. Natural and well-designed places to play and try new things, and take a small challenge, using fun imaginative use of natural materials.
School children are seen orienteering, enjoying cross country runs, bike ride. Nordic walkers rub shoulders with nursery schools (Dagis) taking their charges out for walks and outdoor picnics on people carrier bikes. There are benches and enclosures a-plenty with informative pictures of what to look out for and quizzes to follow along the way. Outdoor exercise equipment for all ages along the route. Other weekend destinations for families provide many facilities and there are always coffee houses hear to hand- there is no admission fee. People can be seen taking personal training sessions as well as groups of all ages and families with children with free parking and a knowledge about wearing the right clothing makes all the difference.
The local Commune’ is somewhere between a Borough and a region in size clearly take pride in supporting their populations to keep fit and enjoy high levels of well being. It reminds me of the spirit of the early swimming baths and lidos that local councils invested heavily in to keep the population fit and well in the 1930s. The amount of choices per capita in Scandinavia are very much greater and we have a long way to go to use our own natural environments better, in creative ways that encourage the same behaviours and motivate people to enjoy going outdoors. Having somewhere to park easily and plenty places to sit and enjoy different types of apparatus outdoors prevents too much concentration in indoor gyms. I believe helps people to enjoy the power of nature and the natural world on their doorstep in the spirit of Largom (simplicity) . The natural light spectrum has well being properties and it is said that for every 3 hours inside we need 20 minutes of exposure to natural light for mental well being.