Play Across Boston
A Good Idea
Description
Funded by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Play Across Boston (PAB) assesses physical activity programs and facilities available for Boston youth and how these resources affect physical activity levels. The assessments conducted by PAB are disseminated to community stakeholders to support data-driven development of recreational facilities and parks.
Goal / Mission
Play Across Boston strives to address disparities in access to physical activity facilities and programs for inner-city youths of Boston.
Results / Accomplishments
Play Across Boston found that low-income neighborhoods tended to have fewer physical activity programs and facilities in proportion to youth population. In addition, low-income neighborhoods possessed recreational facilities that were lower in quality compared to high-income neighborhoods (p<.001). The needs assessment was used to form data-driven action for reducing disparities in access to such programs and facilities. Renovations were documented and findings showed improvements in playground quality in a sub sample of parks assessed (p<.001).
About this Promising Practice
Organization(s)
Harvard Prevention Research Center, Northeastern University's Center for the Study of Sport in Society
Primary Contact
Jessica Barrett
(617) 998-1070
jbarrett@hsph.harvard.edu
http://www.hsph.harvard.edu/research/prc/projects/...
(617) 998-1070
jbarrett@hsph.harvard.edu
http://www.hsph.harvard.edu/research/prc/projects/...
Topics
Art & Recreation / Sports Recreation & Parks
Health / Physical Activity
Health / Children's Health
Health / Physical Activity
Health / Children's Health
Organization(s)
Harvard Prevention Research Center, Northeastern University's Center for the Study of Sport in Society
Source
CDC Prevention Research Center
Date of publication
Jul 2006
Date of implementation
1999
Location
Boston
For more details
Target Audience
Children
Additional Audience
Low-income