City of Wolverhampton Council, working with Active Black Country, neighbouring authorities and WM Network, have created the Love Exploring app.
The free app brings prehistoric dinosaurs to life from Tyrannosaurus to Triceratops, it gives suggestions for trails, family activities, guided tours around the park and cycle routes for all to enjoy.
During the first lockdown Active Black Country carried out research into the impact of Covid-19 on activity habits. It found 53.5% of respondents who previously described themselves as ‘inactive’ had increased their levels to ‘fairly active’, of all the new habits picked up during lockdown, 23.6% of respondents indicated they’d like to continue walking in one form or another.
Cabinet Member for City Economy, Councillor Stephen Simkins, said: “This is a wonderful opportunity for families to get out in their bubble and explore the local area, while discovering Jurassic creatures along the way.
“The Love Exploring app provides users with free games, trails around West Park, an interactive map and information about the park, its history and the conservatory as you walk. The Tea Rooms are also open offering a takeaway service.”
Ian Carey, Director of Active Black Country, said: “The Love Exploring app is perfect encouragement for families, and individuals, to get out and get walking during this second lockdown and beyond. The benefits of being outdoors and being active are so important, especially at the moment, for both our physical and mental wellbeing.”
Andy Street, Mayor of the West Midlands, said: “Exercise is so important to both people’s physical and mental health, and the ongoing pandemic and current national lockdown has served to highlight that. The Love Exploring app, is a brilliant way to encourage more people to get physically active, and I am delighted we have been able to roll it out in the Black Country at such a critical time.”
The app is available through the App Store and Google Play - search ‘Love Exploring’. When visiting West Park and the Tea Room please follow Government guidance on social distancing.
