Open Spaces, Parks & RecGOAL: To encourage fitness, creativity and enjoyment of the outdoors so that people become more physically active. Policy-makers can strengthen policies and programs that provide more open spaces, including parks and recreation facilities.
Open Spaces, Parks, & Rec1. Increase Access to Recreation Facilities and Open Spaces, Including Parks and Community GardensThe Issues and the Research: An increasing body of evidence suggests that children who live in communities with open spaces—such as parks, ball fields, nature centers, picnic areas and campgrounds—are more physically active than those living in areas with fewer recreation facilities.1 One study that evaluated the relationship between access to a variety of built and natural facilities and physical activity found that the people with the greatest access were 43 percent more likely to exercise for 30 minutes on most days compared with those with poorer access.2 Furthermore, a 2006 study of more than 1,500 teenage girls found that they achieved 35 additional minutes of physical activity weekly for each park that was within a half mile of their homes.3 Another study showed that adults who live near recreation facilities or have aesthetically pleasing places where they can be active have higher levels of recreational physical activity.4,5 For example, the results of a 2007 study showed that people in low-income areas who live within one mile of a park exercised at a rate 38 percent higher than those who live farther away, and were four times as likely to visit a park at least once a week.6 Potential StakeholdersPolicy-makers State and local elected and appointed officials School officials (e.g., state boards of education, local school boards and school administrators)
Other Government and Community Stakeholders Policy and Program OptionsConnectivity for increased activity State and local policy-makers can approve construction of new recreation facilities along trails or public transit routes to make them more accessible to residents. Local governments and developers can consider locating new schools near parks and recreation facilities. Open spaces for active living State and local policy-makers can develop policies favoring open spaces, including recreational greenways. Open spaces can be developed through land acquisition, easements and partnerships with conservation groups. Policy-makers can integrate greenway plans, trails and parks with land-use, transportation and economic development plans, and advocate for subdivision ordinances that require reserving a portion of land for trails and greenways. State and local officials also can increase funding for parks, trails and greenways.
Rehabilitation of blighted areas to create healthier environments
Park expansion and maintenance in order to provide safe places to play
Joint-use agreements that increase activity options
Rails to trails for recreation and transportation
1 Davison K and Lawson C. “Do Attributes in the Physical Environment Influence Children’s Physical Activity? A Review of the Literature.” International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity, 3(19), March 2006. |
