title: Promoting physical activity through the shared use of school recreational spaces: a policy statement from the American Heart Association.
abstract: Most Americans are not sufficiently physically active, even though regular physical activity improves health and reduces the risk of many chronic diseases. Those living in rural, non-White, and lower-income communities often have insufficient access to places to be active, which can contribute to their lower level of physical activity. The shared use of school recreational facilities can provide safe and affordable places for communities. Studies suggest that challenges to shared use include additional cost, liability protection, communication among constituencies interested in sharing space, and decision-making about scheduling and space allocation. This American Heart Association policy statement has provided recommendations for federal, state, and local decision-makers to support and expand opportunities for physical activity in communities through the shared use of school spaces.
authors.affiliation: Deborah R. Young is with the Department of Research and Evaluation, Kaiser Permanente Southern California, Pasadena. John O. Spengler is with the College of Health and Human Performance, University of Florida, Gainesville. Natasha Frost is with the Public Law Center, William Mitchell College of Law, St. Paul, MN. Kelly R. Evenson is with the Department of Epidemiology, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill. Jeffrey M. Vincent is with the Center for Cities and Schools, Institute of Urban and Regional Development, University of California, Berkeley. Laurie Whitsel is with the American Heart Association, Washington, DC.
authors.forename: Deborah R
authors.initials: DR
authors.lastname: Young
authors.forename: John O
authors.initials: JO
authors.lastname: Spengler
authors.forename: Natasha
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Frost
authors.forename: Kelly R
authors.initials: KR
authors.lastname: Evenson
authors.forename: Jeffrey M
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Vincent
authors.forename: Laurie
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Whitsel
mesh_terms: D000572:American Heart Association; D004779:Environment Design; D015444:Exercise; D006291:Health Policy; D006293:Health Promotion / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D011633:Public Facilities; D011998:Recreation; D012574:Schools; D014481:United States