Getting Started on Open Spaces, Parks & Rec

• State and local policy-makers can identify potential spaces that could be turned into areas for physical activity. Policy-makers can meet with urban designers, planners, engineers and school and community leaders to evaluate the availability of open spaces and develop a common vision for the community’s physical environment.
• State policy-makers can establish statewide strategies for streamlining cleanup processes and provide financial incentives to investors and developers. Local governments can partner with local businesses to sponsor the cleanup and maintenance of parks—highlighting the partnership at city-wide events held at the parks.
• Local policy-makers can create a public-private partnership with local gyms and recreation facilities to provide lower-income residents with greater access to facilities at a significantly reduced cost. They can also ensure that the hours of community recreation facilities are extended.
• Through joint-use agreements, local policy-makers can collaborate with service and volunteer organizations; faith- and community-based organizations; local colleges and universities; and elementary, middle and high schools to provide recreational activities during after-school hours. In developing a joint-use agreement, leaders can create a steering committee consisting of representatives from each party in the agreement. The committee can review suggestions from residents and community organizations. In addition, all parties can enter into cost-sharing agreements to ensure that additional costs (i.e., utilities and supplies) are fairly distributed. They can support programs that provide training on equipment.