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Architecture, interiors and construction
Students celebrate at creative summer show
Solent's final year creative students showcased their work at the end of year summer show.
11 June 2024
‘A Real Local Community’ by Josh Merry
3 May 2024
There are many different types of communities and all are different though grounded in the same values. But how does one go about illustrating this?
By Bethany Harrison
Parkruns represent an intersection of diverse communities that are bonded by their love for getting outside and being active. Originally founded in 2004, the Parkrun organisation brought individuals together through their inclusive nature that offered people of all fitness levels the opportunity to participate in an activity that promoted social interaction. Furthermore, the volunteers who run it promote fitness and nature as a wellbeing tool but in an accessible way. It truly is a community that can comprise of individuals of all walks of life.
The social and motivational aspect of park runs is also something admirable as it constructs a positive mindset for all those involved. This is demonstrated by Merry’s photographic portfolio. Grounded in vibrant images, his portfolio depicts the essence of Parkruns and their importance in society.
Album description
Parkrun is a global organisation founded in 2004 by Paul Sinton-Hewitt
CBE, with the goal of creating ‘a healthier, happier planet’. It now hosts over 2,000 5km runs nearly every weekend in 23 different countries across 5 continents. Their events are all run entirely by volunteers and are completely free and open to everyone, regardless of age, ability, or fitness level. As their website explains, ‘parkrun is such a simple concept: turn up every Saturday and walk, jog, or run 5k… It doesn’t matter how fast you go. It doesn’t matter what you’re wearing. What matters is taking part’.
‘A Real Local Community’ aims to promote and mirror the values and goals of parkrun. I am inspired by parkrun as an organisation that exists purely to help bring people together and build community while encouraging a healthy lifestyle. My goal with this project is to capture what it feels to be a part of the parkrun community. The text accompanying the images are direct quotes from parkrunners explaining what it is they love about parkrun and how being a part of this community has affected their lives.
If you would like to check out the rest of the portfolio, click here!
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