County of San Diego Breaks Barriers to Recreation for Obese Youth
By National Recreation and Park Association | Posted on January 8, 2014
In San Diego County, California's unincorporated Lakeside community, engaging in physical activity is a challenge for many families due to a lack of resources and negative perceptions of nearby parks. In 2013, the County of San Diego Department of Parks and Recreation (County) launched a coordinated effort in Lakeside to: 1) assist local healthcare providers in connecting overweight youth to opportunities for exercise; and 2) address cost, information, and perception barriers to park and recreation programs. Through the Rec Rx initiative, the County hoped to help more children attain their fitness goals and adopt lifelong healthy behaviors.
Clinically Focused Park Effort in Greenville Impacts Youth Health
By National Recreation and Park Association | Posted on January 8, 2014
LiveWell Greenville in South Carolina is a coalition of more than 100 public and private partners actively exploring solutions that “make the healthy choice the easy choice in Greenville County.” In 2013 via the Greenville County Health System New Impact program, the coalition developed a clinically focused park prescription effort to reduce obesity in underserved youth and encourage healthy lifestyles through increased connections to parks and recreation.
Unique Baltimore Park Events Encourage Outdoor Physical Activity
By National Recreation and Park Association | Posted on January 8, 2014
Leading by example is an important strategy in promoting better health in Baltimore, Maryland. In 2013, through its novel Docs in the Park (DITP) program, the Baltimore City Department of Recreation and Parks (BCRP) and a number of regional partners united residents in three major parks to promote lifelong outdoor engagement and demonstrate—through hands-on experience—the large menu of recreation programs and activities available to children and adults.