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Irma Rivera, a mother living in Santa Anna, had nowhere to take her children to play after school. Because school playgrounds were locked up during after school hours she would take her kids to play in the school parking lot. It was when Irma saw a child almost get hit by a car that she realized, “enough was enough,” something had to be done to have more playspace for her children.
Having already attended some Latino Health Access diabetes classes at a local school, Irma decided to approach the organization to ask for their support. She asked, “can we organize the moms and get a park,” and Latino Health Access’ response was, “with your help, we will.”
Moms and children approached city council members and expressed the need for a park in their community. There was a vacant lot that the moms felt would be the right spot for the park; however the city council had other plans for the land. This did not discourage the group of determined mothers, who continued to press the city for a park. After two years of advocating for a park in their community the city finally agreed to allow the land to be used for a park, only the group would have to raise the money to build the park themselves.
Although Orange County is home to many of the rich and famous, it is also home to Latino children, who’s families live at below poverty. There are close to 70% of Latinos living in this area, many who struggle with high rates of diabetes and obesity–largely in part due to poor infrastructure.
More information
This video filmed by PBS highlights Irma’s story and the work of community organizers who have stood up to improve their lives and the lives of others. America Bracho, Latino Health Access’ director, speaks about how the Latino community needs to step up in order to transform their community.
According to a blog from Latino Health Access, after 10 years of working to bring a park to their neighborhood, construction of the Santa Ana park that Latino Health Access and local moms fought for finally began in late 2011.
This profile from PBS talks about the promotores program at Latino Health Access, the great need for parkland in Santa Ana, and about the positive impact that an improved built environment can have on one’s health. According to this article, those who live in neighborhoods that provide opportunities for physical exercise have a 38% reduced chance of developing diabetes.
See the full Salud Hero story here!
By The Numbers
33
percent
of Latinos live within walking distance (<1 mile) of a park
