Physical Activity in Communities

RWJF Priority: Increase physical activity by improving the built environment in communities

When children have safe places to walk, bike and play in their communities, they’re more likely to be active and less likely to be obese. Communities can increase opportunities for physical activity by building new sidewalks, bike paths, parks, and playgrounds—and by improving those that already exist.

To encourage families to use these resources and facilities, communities can implement traffic-safety measures and neighborhood watch programs, so children are safe when playing outside. Such measures are especially important in underserved communities, where residents often face high crime rates, dangerous traffic patterns, and unsafe sidewalks.

The resources below, from RWJF grantees and partners, highlight recent efforts to identify the most promising solutions for promoting physical activity in communities.

Childhood Obesity Policy Priorities

From the New Jersey Partnership for Healthy Kids

Renovating Northgate Park in Camden, NJ

"We want to see kids and families active." The New Jersey Partnership for Healthy Kids helped to rennovate Camden's Northgate Park, where residents can now use the new playground and participate in activities like tennis, volleyball, and cycling.

Watch the video

From Active Living Research

Do All Children Have Places to be Active?

Children who live in communities of color and lower-income communities are more likely to live in neighborhoods that do not support physical activity.

Read the brief

From Healthy Kids, Healthy Communities

A Healthier Park

Chicago's healthy improvements to Humbolt Park include installing community gardens and healthy vending machines, and improving pedestrian access to parks.

Watch the video

From Salud America!

Physical Activity, Overweight and Obesity Among Latino Youth

Transportation issues, safety concerns, and lack recreational opportunities are some of the factors that prevent Latino youths from being active and encourage sedentary behaviors.

Read the brief

From Active Living Research

Promoting Physical Activity Through the Shared Use of School and Community Recreational Resources

Shared use of school and community recreational facilities are a cost-effective way to promote physical activity in a community.

Learn more

3 p.m. to Bedtime: Crunch Time for Children and Obesity

Crunch Time: Challenges and Solutions

A poll reveals that many parents face a variety of barriers to helping their children lead healthy lives, especially during the "crunch time" from 3 p.m. to bedtime.

Learn more

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Childhood Obesity Program Area

RWJF is committed to tackling one of the most urgent threats to the health of our children and families—childhood obesity. Our goal is to reverse the childhood obesity epidemic by 2015.

Hawaii Says Aloha to Safe Streets

September 2, 2011 | Story

Winning Strategies in the Fight Against Childhood Obesity.

Safe Routes to School

September 1, 2011 | Report

This report examines the many benefits and cost-savings Safe Routes to School programs offer.

Urbana, Ill., School Makes it Possible for Children to Walk and Bike to School

November 22, 2011 | Story

Walking or biking to and from school is a great way to ensure daily physical activity for children and to help prevent obesity.

Texas Childhood Obesity Prevention Policy Evaluation (T-COPPE)

September 1, 2011 | Report/Evaluation

This brief provides select preliminary research results, preliminary analyses, and policy implications for the implementation of the national Safe Routes to School program in Texas.

Active Commuting to School and Association with Physical Activity and Adiposity Among US Youth

January 1, 2011 | Journal Article

A study exploring the association between active commuting and weight, including whether moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) mediates the association between them, found that active commuting to school is associated with greater MVPA and lower adiposity in American youth.

Safe Routes to School 2009 Policy Report

March 1, 2009 | Report

The report explores the challenges and opportunities raised during the implementation of the federal Safe Routes to School program.

Safe Routes to School State Network Project

March 1, 2009 | Report

Building momentum and policy change by the Safe Routes to School National Partnership.

Safe Routes to School State Network Project

November 10, 2009 | Issue Brief

Building momentum and policy change through the Safe Routes to School National Partnership.

League of American Bicyclists Rolls Out Program to Promote "Safe Routes to School" Nationally

November 1, 2007 | Program Result Report

The League of American Bicyclists organized a national meeting, conducted a training session and produced a video to influence the scope, uptake and effectiveness of the national Safe Routes to School Program.

Study

February 1, 2003 | Program Result Report

White Mountain Research Associates in Plainsboro, N.J., produced a preliminary evaluation report on the "Walk to School Day Program," a national initiative supporting a day for children to walk to school with parents and community leaders.