_{23 June 2024}

What if a walk in the park, a family picnic or a game of tag at the playground could earn you more than fresh air? In Copenhagen, a brand-new pilot project at a flourishing community centre is doing just that.

A new pilot project connects nature, neighbourhoods and healthy lifestyles through an app. Launched in association with the Spor10 community centre, the Civic Dollars app rewards local residents from embracing the outdoors in designated zones like parks, playgrounds and scenic harbour areas. It’s a joyful invitation to make these spaces the heart of healthy, connected, and thriving communities, especially for families in underserved neighbourhoods.
 
“This project is about sparking active lifestyles, forging stronger neighbourhood bonds, and ensuring everyone can enjoy the health benefits of being physically active,” said Thomas Hilberg Rahbek, Health Equity Project Lead at Cities for Better Health.

A hub for health and community

Spor10, a massive 6,500 m² former railway workshop, is a pioneering urban development that has quickly become a vital hub for surrounding communities. The facility now caters to local residents of every age, offering creative classes, a giant children’s play space, and a scooter park. For adults, a growing community of sports associations is flourishing.

The site has become a beacon of inclusivity, serving as a popular gathering place that meets the diverse needs of Copenhageners. It is all centred on the belief that cities should be conducive to the health and well-being of their residents, encouraging an active lifestyle and fostering a sense of community.

“SPOR10 gives me both community and movement on the walk there. I chat with other parents while the kids are in boxing class, and we strengthen our neighbourhood ties and get to know each other in new and meaningful ways,” said one project participant.

With Civic Dollars, the centre is becoming even more accessible, welcoming new families, sparking curiosity and encouraging people to be active and enjoy healthy meals together.

Powered by partnership

The pilot is led by Cities for Better Health, NREP, KAB and Steno Diabetes Center Copenhagen, with support from the Mit Kvarter social housing initiative. The project brings together partners across health, housing and research to test a scalable, community-driven approach to healthy living. “Before we started the project, we carefully analysed local demographics in social housing areas near SPOR10, looking at factors like employment and education levels, and community dynamics. These are often indicators of increased risk of developing obesity throughout the life course,” Rahbek added. 

“We saw a big opportunity to increase people’s engagement with outdoor spaces, and simultaneously foster tighter community bonds through SPOR10, where people can eat healthily in a communal setting and explore the many healthy activities on offer.” 
 
As engagement with the app grows, the project hopes to expand the reward options through partnerships with local businesses. 

Innovative tech for lasting impact

Behind the scenes, Civic Dollars generates valuable data, tracking how people use public space and what motivates them to return. Insights from the pilot will help improve reward structures and design more inclusive tools to support long-term health-promoting behaviours.

As the pilot grows, so does its potential. With new partnerships, new users, and more ways to learn and engage with Spor10, the project with Civic Dollars demonstrates how cities can turn everyday routines into opportunities for healthier, more connected lives.