Physical Activity
Barriers to physical activity for youth can include geographic hurdles, financial obstacles, and accessibility limitations. Families, schools, and communities can help by supporting creative options for adolescents to be active in safe and healthy ways.
Shared Use Legislation - Encouraging Public Use of Walking Paths and Other Facilities
In 2014, Ohio passed legislation that encouraged entities, such as schools or organizations, to open exercise or recreational facilities to public use outside of school or business hours - for example, a high school allowing people to walk on the running track when it isn't in use, or an elementary school allowing children to play on the playground on the weekends. The legislation reduced liabilities that had previously prevented such open use for fear of being sued in the case of injuries. Kudos to the groups that helped advocate for this legislation, including the American Heart Association, the Health Policy Institute of Ohio, and Safe Routes to School. If you are an administrator for a school or business with exercise facilities that can benefit the public during off-hours, the Ohio Department of Health provides a great fact sheet on shared use agreements that can promote public health: ODH Fact Sheet On Shared Use Agreements.
Safe Routes to School
The Safe Routes to School initiative encourages walking or biking to school in safe and healthy ways. Learn more about the program on the Ohio Department of Transportation website: https://www.transportation.ohio.gov/programs/safe-routes-srts
Below are a few examples of communities who encourage physical exercise in creative ways. If you have suggestions for highlighted programs or initiatives, share them with us:
Licking County Park District All-Terrain Wheelchair Rental Program
The Licking County Park District provides free rental of all-terrain wheelchairs for use in parks and trails, allowing for more access to outdoor spaces. Learn more at the Licking Park District website: https://lickingparkdistrict.com/202/All-Terrain-Wheelchair-Rental-Program
Cleveland Metroparks Beach Wheelchairs
The Cleveland Metroparks provide free beach wheelchairs, allowing for access through sand and to water, something that is nearly impossible with standard wheelchairs. Learn more on the Cleveland Metroparks website: https://www.clevelandmetroparks.com/about/cleveland-metroparks-organization/accessibility/beach-wheelchairs
Columbus Recreation and Parks Center Without Walls
The Columbus Recreation and Parks Department's Center Without Walls (CWOW) program provides access to recreational resources for youth ages 6-14 who live in areas without a community center. Learn more about the program here: https://columbusrecparks.com/facilities/communitycenters/cwow/
In 2014, Ohio passed legislation that encouraged entities, such as schools or organizations, to open exercise or recreational facilities to public use outside of school or business hours - for example, a high school allowing people to walk on the running track when it isn't in use, or an elementary school allowing children to play on the playground on the weekends. The legislation reduced liabilities that had previously prevented such open use for fear of being sued in the case of injuries. Kudos to the groups that helped advocate for this legislation, including the American Heart Association, the Health Policy Institute of Ohio, and Safe Routes to School. If you are an administrator for a school or business with exercise facilities that can benefit the public during off-hours, the Ohio Department of Health provides a great fact sheet on shared use agreements that can promote public health: ODH Fact Sheet On Shared Use Agreements.
Safe Routes to School
The Safe Routes to School initiative encourages walking or biking to school in safe and healthy ways. Learn more about the program on the Ohio Department of Transportation website: https://www.transportation.ohio.gov/programs/safe-routes-srts
Below are a few examples of communities who encourage physical exercise in creative ways. If you have suggestions for highlighted programs or initiatives, share them with us:
Licking County Park District All-Terrain Wheelchair Rental Program
The Licking County Park District provides free rental of all-terrain wheelchairs for use in parks and trails, allowing for more access to outdoor spaces. Learn more at the Licking Park District website: https://lickingparkdistrict.com/202/All-Terrain-Wheelchair-Rental-Program
Cleveland Metroparks Beach Wheelchairs
The Cleveland Metroparks provide free beach wheelchairs, allowing for access through sand and to water, something that is nearly impossible with standard wheelchairs. Learn more on the Cleveland Metroparks website: https://www.clevelandmetroparks.com/about/cleveland-metroparks-organization/accessibility/beach-wheelchairs
Columbus Recreation and Parks Center Without Walls
The Columbus Recreation and Parks Department's Center Without Walls (CWOW) program provides access to recreational resources for youth ages 6-14 who live in areas without a community center. Learn more about the program here: https://columbusrecparks.com/facilities/communitycenters/cwow/
