Senator Shirley K. Turner (D-Mercer) the Vice Chair of the Education Committee believes that educators should look at recess as something that is part of a curriculum rather than something that takes away time from learning. The Association for Childhood Education International estimates that 40% of US schools have reduced or eliminated recess. This number may be even higher among high-minority, underserved populations. ...
Rep. Stewart Barlow (R-Fruit Heights) says that obesity needs to be tackled not only at an individual level but also at a community level. In order to promote awareness of growing obesity rates in Utah, Rep. Barlow proposed HCR2, which is a resolution to recognize obesity as an important public health issue. Although the resolution does not require any specific actions, it calls on state leaders to take the issue of obesity more seriously. The resolution was received favorably by the House and a Senate committee, and has been placed on the Senate's calender for consent, to be voted on by the full Senate. ...
The Utah Nutrition and Physical Activity Plan seeks to address the issue of obesity in Utah by guiding the development of policies which could promote healthier lifestyles for the residents of Utah. ...
New exercise equipment at McKinley Avenue Park and 49th Street Park is now available to Latino children. At a ribbon cutting ceremony which took place at 49th Street Park, Mayor Villaraigosa announced the city's 50 Parks Initiative. Recreation and Parks Commission President, Barry Sanders, spoke of the need to end the injustice of unequal park distribution. With the city facing financial constraints some are apprehensive about whether Mayor Villaraigosa will be able to complete his vision for constructing these 50 new parks. ...
America Walks is a national coalition that seeks to mobilize individuals, organizations and businesses to increase walking and walkability in America. By 2020, America Walks hopes that walking will be an activity embraced throughout America. To support a Walkable American read more about the America Walks Vision Statement and sign up for their newsletter. ...
The buzz around HB 105, HB 162, and HJR 40 continues as Texas state Rep. Lyle Larson (R-San Antonio) works to ensure that revenue collected from the sales tax on sporting goods is not diverted from park funds. According to this article budget cuts to park funds in recent years have lead many to job lay offs, delays in park repairs, and cuts in grant funds that would create new parks and playgrounds for cities. ...
