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National Urban Development Policy

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Health and Sport

We all need healthy living conditions in the city - in our apartments, at our workplaces and in our free time. How do we minimise air, noise and heat pollution in our direct environment? How do we connect green and open spaces for easily accessible sports and exercise spaces? How do we ensure equity in health and equal access to prevention and offers?

Our goal: the healthy city

The “healthy city” must no longer be a contradiction. Healthy living and working conditions are fundamental goals (and duties) of urban planning under local responsibility. They are the prerequisite for the physical, psychological and social well-being of the population - and for the attractiveness of a city. A more health-conscious lifestyle, enjoying sports and exercise on the one hand, and a growing sensitivity to the harmful effects of noise, air pollutants and overheating in inner-city areas on the other hand call for increased responsibility for the socio-spatial dimension and therefore environmental justice. This responsibility applies particularly to disadvantaged neighbourhoods, because they are also burdened by health-related environmental problems, difficult access to health services and a limited amount of space.
Sport and exercise significantly contribute to a healthy lifestyle. Sport is not only practiced in municipal sports facilities and in clubs, but mostly informally - the entire city is a space for movement and physical activity! The increasing pressure leads to conflicts of use and competition for space. Again, it is about multiple uses for example of the school sports areas. Sport is particularly suitable for strengthening social cohesion, integration and meeting people from different backgrounds.

Health as a cross-sectional task of urban development

The urban development policy conveys different usage claims. Demand is constantly changing due to demographic change. The spatial tasks for urban development policy are correspondingly diverse:

  • healthy living conditions and movement-friendly public space throughout the city
  • double internal development
  • Demand-oriented sports facility development
  • environmental justice
  • health equity
  • connected sports and exercise rooms.

As a cross-sectional task, preventive health care and promotion must be actively taken up in all fields of urban development. Cross-departmental and cross-level cooperation and active cooperation in permanent work and network structures with civil society are a special opportunity and obligation here.
The National Urban Development Policy regularly deals with the close connection between the “healthy city”, environmental justice and the great opportunities of integrating sport and urban development.