Healthier communities lead to healthier economies.
Two case studies show how park and recreation initiatives are improving the health of their local communities.
Promoting active lifestyles for children and preventing obesity through before and after school programs.
Despite the different elements people value in the same community, all of want access to safe, friendly, and active environments. All too often, though, instead of coming together to create the best possible version of their community, citizens notice only what is specifically interesting to them. A fantastic way to allow people to see the potential their community has is by engaging residents in what's known as a "walking audit."
More and more local parks are reaching out to their medical community to work together and offer services that help prevent and treat health problems related to inactivity and poor diet.
Park and recreation agencies are providing vital programs for veterans with and without disabilities to improve their quality of life. Agencies are partnering with their local offices of Veterans Affairs (VA) and other community-based organizations who are offering recreational opportunities to veterans with disabilities.