275: sports facilities open their doors - for free

Today's linked article, from the UK's Independent newspaper, documents a very interesting experiment being carried out in Blackburn, England. Apparently, the area's local authority - Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council - has decided to introduce free leisure services to those living and working there, in response to recent figures showing that local people exercised significantly less than the average Briton and died 8 years earlier. The scheme is being phased in gradually and by early 2009 a wide range of activities - such as swimming, aerobics, volleyball and badminton - will be free to all. Early signs are positive, with many new membership cards being issued by local sports centres in response to much higher demand - over-50s have free access as of now. Sounds like something worth replicating. In fact, it will be replicated in part: by 2012, all public swimming baths will be free according to current UK government policy. It will definitely be interesting to see whether and how this translates into improved health and well-being, and lower healthcare costs, over the long term.