Investment in Bicycling and Walking Will Save Billions
from Rails-to-Trails Conservatory
 Rails-to-Trails Conservancy (RTC) presents today the "Active Transportation for America" report to Congress via Rep. James Oberstar (D-Minn.), who serves as the Chairman of the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. The report quantifies—for the first time—the national benefits of bicycling and walking. Putting figures to facts, the report documents the transportation, energy, climate, public health, and economic benefits of bicycling and walking. More, Full report
See related article: Providing Bicycle and Walk Paths Would Aid Health, Environment (from the Patriot-News)
Neighborhood Greenness Curbs Kid Obesity
from UPI
Higher neighborhood greenness -- parks, grass, flowers and trees -- is associated with slower increases in children's weight, U.S. researchers say. Researchers at the Indiana University School of Medicine, Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis and the University of Washington report a study of more than 3,800 inner-city children revealed that living in areas with green space has a long-term positive impact on children's weight, and thus health. More
Florida Communities Push to Help Students Get Fit, Informed
from the Jupiter Courier
More than 10 percent of middle- and high-school students on the Treasure Coast in Florida were overweight in 2007 by the body-mass-index standard, according to state Department of Health statistics. Health officials in Indian River and Martin counties are trying to change that, with a national program that gives kids and their families advice for a healthier life. Ultimately, the We Can! program wants to change entire communities — through policies and infrastructure — to promote health. More
Most Youth Sports Leagues Don't See Numbers Dropping
from the Tennessean
Many families are combing their budgets line by line, looking for ways to cut back.But according to the directors of some area youth sports leagues, costs to participate in extracurricular sports don't seem to be on the chopping block for most who want to sign up. Although several leagues are seeing steady or increasing enrollment for fall and spring sports, some programs are offering financial assistance or lowering their sign-up fees, so that even families with the tightest budgets can afford to let their kids play. More
New Park in Woodridge, Ill., Sets Accessibility Standard
from the Lemont Reporter
The Woodridge, Ill., Park District is leading the way in park design for people with disabilities. During the ribbon-cutting ceremony for Forest Glen park, Mark Trieglaff, a consultant with Wheaton-based Accessibility Consultation and Training Services, told a crowd of about 50 that the park has been identified by a national organization as a model for future park development. More
D-backs Foundation Gets Kudos for Ballfield Program
from the Phoenix Business Journal
The Arizona Diamondbacks Foundation has won the National Recreation and Parks Association’s National Corporate Humanitarian Award for its Diamonds Back Field Building Program. The Diamonds Back program builds and refurbishes baseball fields with electrical lighting, scoreboards, dugouts and seating. The program has built or refurbished 28 fields with a value of $11.4 million across Arizona since 2000. More
Teens United Plans Trail with Activities for Kids, Parents
from The Pantagraph via Calibre Macro World
A trail with signs encouraging activities for children age 5 and under, their parents and caregivers is the goal of a new program being spearheaded by 18 McLean County teenagers. Teens United for McLean County, a committee of high school students under the direction of United Way of McLean County, have decided that their 2008-2009 project should be a trail for young children walking with their parents. More
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Citizen’s Mantra: Just Say "Yes"
from The Daily World
Alice Hutchinson is a self-admitted sucker when it comes to helping on a cause. She calls it the “Big Y” on her forehead for “yes.” It kicks in whenever somebody needs a volunteer to pitch in. In the 1970s, she was one of the organizers of the Montesano, Wa., Softball Association. Since then, she has continually helped the community. More
Schools Conduct Mock Elections
from The Daily Journal
Sixteen-year-old Ava Rettke sat at a desk outside a classroom during lunch with a stack of papers and a yellow highlighter. The junior at Woodside High School in San Mateo County, Calif., was not cramming before a test, she was waiting to sign in fellow students before they voted. Woodside is one of hundreds of schools statewide holding mock elections prior to and on Election Day. The process emphasizes teaching the process to students — researching options, making your own decisions, debating and finally voting. “They’re taught in school about the electoral process, democracy and government but no one taught them how to vote,” said Jeri Fujimoto, supervisor of the Youth Development Unit in the San Carlos Parks and Recreation Department. More
Latest Fitness Trend Combines a Fitness Cub Workout with Enjoyment of the Outdoors
from Riverview This Week
Another feather in Riverview's cap appeared last month, in the form of 12 fitness machines placed along a park trail. "This is a first for Atlantic Canada, and a first in Canada for the newer, CSA-approved Green Gym equipment," enthuses Program Coordinator for Parks and Recreation, Gina McNeil. The municipality purchased the rugged equipment directly from China, where the idea of permanent outdoor exercise machines was born. More
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 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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