Ring Road home to new message

THE latest social message on Geelong’s Ring Road encourages children to get outdoors and play.

Timed to coincide with the school holidays, Villawood Properties’ newest campaign is aimed at keeping outdoor activity at the forefront of chidren’s minds across the summer holidays.

Villawood executive director Rory Costelloe said with more children facing physical and mental health problems, the message was of crucial importance.

“Play is a fundamental part of childhood. Kids need places where they can run, jump, tumble, sweat and connect to natural elements.

“Kids need to run around in more natural settings. They need to be able to play in dirt and be exposed to outdoor bacteria, which can improve resistance and help avoid food allergies.

“They need to get their heart rate up and reduce the massive strain on the public health system caused by diseases such as asthma, allergies and obesity.”

Villawood has previously used the Wandana steel letters to highlight other social causes including respect, mental health, driver safety, refugees, the “Vote Yes” campaign and the Geelong Cats.

Mr Costelloe said the “kids need play” message was particularly relevant given the lure of iPads, online games, game consoles, mobile phones and computers.

“These can be quite detrimental to the healthy physical and mental development of young people,” he said.

“It (the message) imbues an appreciation of a healthy lifestyle, it encourages curiosity, and it teaches important social skills.”