by Share On Social!
Through the Healthy Eating, Active Communities program, a group of teenagers living in Chula Vista joined efforts to improve their neighborhood park. To bring about this transformation, in June 2007, local promotoras—Spanish speaking community health workers—mentored a group of five high school students, teaching them leadership development and advocacy skills.
Students then interviewed local residents and surveyed the park for needed improvements. Soon city officials were invited to attend a public meeting held at the park. Citizens expressed their concerns, which were later presented to the city council, by the group of students and promotoras. By September 2008, Lauderback Park was officially reopened. Students and promotoras involved in this effort were recognized for their achievements, and the methods they used to bring improvements to other local parks.
Gerry Garcia, a Chula Vista high school senior, was one of the students who participated in the efforts to restore Lauderback Park. Gerry worked with local residents and city officials to create a safe place for local children to play and exercise. View Gerry’s story below.
For more information, read the full story from the California Endowment.
By The Numbers
33
percent
of Latinos live within walking distance (<1 mile) of a park
