GLL publishes open data to boost physical activity participation

Social enterprise Greenwich Leisure Limited (GLL) has teamed up with the Open Data Institute to share leisure activity information as it looks to broaden community reach and participation opportunities across its 250-plus sites.

As part of the OpenActive initiative, data on GLL activities, facilities, timetables and opening times can be searched in real time and by geographical proximity.

OpenActive brings together sports and physical activity organisations to make information on what, where and when sessions happen available through open data.

Customers can check for activities in both their area and within time slots throughout the day — enabling them to get exercise or physical activity into their working routine when it suits them.

Other mediums can share the OpenActive data, such as exercise aggregator websites, to help expand customer choice and manage demand.

Steve Ward, GLL’s associate director and head of marketing communications and sales, said: “The potential for data sharing in the leisure industry – as in the travel industry – is transformative.

“The OpenActive partnership is an important one for GLL with our social enterprise being the largest data set in the current scope.

“It builds on our solid network with all the major leisure industry bodies in the UK – including Sport England, ukactive and CIMSPA.

“This additional resource will take us to the next level, allowing us to reach more customers and in doing so, help communities get more active, more often.”

GLL is the largest public provider of leisure facilities in the UK, operating over 250 council leisure centres, stand alone gyms, lidos and adventure play parks.