To achieve this objective, priority recommendations include provision of adequate funding for state and local recreational sites and facilities, developing model policies to increase access to public facilities for physical activity, and increasing the number of worksites that have policies that enhance physical activity opportunities.

The description below illustrates what organizations and communities are doing to support priority recommendations to increase access to free or low cost recreational opportunities.


With an August deadline for schools to develop formal nutrition and physical activity policies, many schools would benefit from funding for special projects. The School Board Challenge gives Washington school districts an opportunity to compete for $5,000 awards for developing and implementing nutrition and physical activity policies. Some of the potential projects the money could be used for include nutrition curriculum design, purchase a refrigerated vending machine or physical education equipment, or hiring a dietitian. The awards will be presented to three school districts at the Washington State School Directors’ Association annual conference in November.

Target audience: School districts (K-12) throughout the state

Evaluation: The number of districts submitting policies. The goal is for 25% of the 296 school districts to submit policies.

Partners: Children’s Alliance, Action For Healthy Kids, Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction, State Board of Health, Northwest Automatic Vending Machine Association, University of Washington Center for Public Health Nutrition, Washington Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance, Washington Coalition for Promoting Physical Activity

Lead agency role: WA Department of Health contracted with the Children’s Alliance to coordinate the School Board Challenge

For more information:
Ruth Abad
Tel: 360-236-3702
Web: http://www.childrensalliance.org/whatwedo/childhood-obesity-campaign.cfm




The Moses Lake Trails Planning is coordinating with both the City of Moses Lake and Grant County around developing "ring road" paths that are bicycle and pedestrian friendly. The team is also partnering with the city's Vision 2020 on several downtown trails and pedestrian friendly street improvements. The Sunrise Rotary, as part of the Rotary centennial celebration, is maintaining and making improvements to a section of the Neppel Trail. The improvements will make the trail safer and more attractive to users. Because of the Healthy Communities Project visibility in the community, the city received a $340,000 grant to expand the Heron Trail.
Target audience: Residents of and visitors to Moses Lake
Evaluation: Residents' awareness of trails progress is being monitored. Documentation and use of funds received for trails improvement, measurement of use of trails measured by trail counters.

Partners: WA Department of Health, City of Moses Lake Parks Commission, City Council, Grant County Public Works
Lead agency role: DOH provides technical assistance and resources to local and state partners to implement the WA State Nutrition and Physical Activity Plan.

For more information:
Ruth Abad
Tel: 360-236-3702
http://www.doh.wa.gov/cfh/NutritionPA/healthy_communities.htm



WIC Clinic staff may soon be contributing to families' opportunity to be physically active while clients are waiting for their vouchers. A mother-child activity is being pilot-tested this summer in selected sites by a UW graduate student. WIC families are enjoying a free exercise group, “Playing Together,” with their young children. A series of four groups lasts for 30 minutes each. The physical activity group teaches a mix of yoga, pilates and aerobics that families can also do at home together.

Target audience: Mothers or fathers and their children in WIC Program

Evaluation: Families are being surveyed about their experiences with the group exercises.

Partners: Public Health-Seattle & King County WIC Program, University of Washington Maternal and Child Health Program

Lead Agency Role: Public Health-Seattle & King County provides public health services and programs which promote healthy living conditions and prevent diseases among King County communities. The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC) is a preventive health and nutrition program that provides short term assistance to young families to promote optimal growth and development.

For more information:
Lisa DiGiorgio
Web: http://www.metrokc.gov/health/wic.htm

 

This publication was supported by Grant/Cooperative Agreement Number U58/CCU019291 from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Its contents are solely the responsibility of the authors and do not necessarily represent the official views of the CDC.


Last updated: March 28, 2006 15:20