Boston's Newest Classrooms
from The Christian Science Monitor
 The effort to renovate school sites and add "outdoor classrooms" has become a national model as cities struggle to address both childhood obesity and academic gaps. Like many city schoolyards, Boston's had largely been paved over because old, rotting play structures posed safety hazards. The shortage of open green space for children became so acute that Mayor Thomas Menino launched the initiative in 1995, bringing together city and school leaders, local residents, and private funders to create inviting outdoor settings for schools and communities to share. More
Advocacy Action Week
from NRPA
During the week of Aug. 25, join advocates from around the country and call your congress member's district office to introduce his/her staff to the important role that parks and recreation play in the local community in their district. More
First Ads to Crack City Bike Paths Get Easy Ride
from the London Free Press
The Canadian Egg Marketing Agency paid the city of London $5,000 to stencil 20 logos promoting eggs on paths along the Thames River. The logos show a smiling egg sitting on a bicycle, next to the words "Get Cracking" and a web address. It's the first time the city has put advertisements on its riverside bike paths. They're meant to showcase the relationship between healthy living and the paths, said Scott Stafford, the city's parks and recreation division manager. More
Local Parks Go from Junk to Jewels
from The MetroWest Daily News
This past weekend, soccer balls were kicked around the spot where public works crews used to run a rock crusher to make the sand and gravel for street paving projects. The MathWorks Field in Natick, Mass., represents just the latest example of communities in the region reclaiming land that had become an eyesore - or worse, a health hazard - and transforming it into inviting public parks or community facilities. More
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Blueway Mobile Helps Get Word Out on Various Events
from the News-Press
Lee County, Fla., Parks and Recreation has rolled out its newest set of wheels as a way of promoting upcoming events in Southwest Florida. The Blueway Mobile is hitting the road to serve as a marketing and education tool to help teach folks about the environment and resources that are at their fingertips. More
Video: ‘Rubber Mulch’ Being Road-tested at Playgrounds
from the Lawrence Journal-World
It’s bouncy and may remind you to change your snow tires. It also may be the newest feature at parks across the city. Lawrence, Kan., Parks and Recreation crews recently installed chopped-up rubber tires underneath the new playground equipment at Clinton several parks. It’s the first time the city has used the recycled material instead of the traditional wood mulch. There’s a reason why parks and recreation leaders are taking the new material out for a spin: weeds. More
Related Article: Farmstead to Resurface Trail with Recycled Tires (Kansas City Star)
Report: Obesity Rates Up in 37 States
from Health Day
The obesity epidemic in America has gotten worse -- not better -- in the last year, despite public service campaigns warning about the health risks posed by carrying too much weight, a new report found. Adult obesity rates increased in 37 states, while there were no decreases in any states, according to the annual report released last week by the nonprofit Trust for America's Health and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. More
Wheelchair Accessible Parks Planned
from the Lacombe Globe
The gravel and sandy areas of many playgrounds and parks are inaccessible to children who have limited ability or are bound to a wheelchair, but that is about to change in the town of Blackfalds in Alberta, Canada. A new park in Blackfalds will offer children of all abilities a place to play. Harvest Meadows Park, which is being constructed near the Riser Park and Aspen Lakes area of town, will include areas that are 100 per cent handicap-accessible. More
Sk8 del Sol Festival Draws 125 Skaters
from the Caller-Times
Rob Wilcox of Dallas shot off the top of 5-foot-tall steps Saturday in the Corpus Christi Skate Park, his skateboard twirling beneath him before he slammed it onto the ground with both feet. His success was brief. Wilcox, 25, was one of 125 contenders as young as 4 years old who flirted with injury to showcase their skateboarding skills at the second Sk8 del Sol Festival at Cole Park in Corpus Christi, Texas. More
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Pediatric Weight Loss Programs Need Better Accessibility
from The New York Times
There are nine million overweight or obese children in the United States. And although the prevalence of childhood obesity has tripled since 1980, there are few comprehensive or affordable programs to treat them. More
'Field of Friends' Day Brings City Workers, Community Together
from the Daily Press
A group of city organizations — including parks and recreation, housing authority, police and fire — held a day of fun for its Central District residents in Newport News, Va.. The second annual Field of Friends gave local children school supplies, food, games and a chance to meet those who serve their neighborhoods. More
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The Original Pooch Post
 Secure dog tethering system for parks and open spaces.Great amenity for busy playgrounds, picnic areas, near benches and outside public park restrooms. More |
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