News
Parks Named 2010 NRPA ACHIEVE Community to Combat Obesity and Chronic Diseases
ARCHIVED PRESS RELEASE: Published 2-17-2010
The National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) recently
selected Tulsa Parks and Recreation as a 2010 Action Communities
for Health, Innovation, and EnVironmental changE (ACHIEVE)
community to advance the nation's efforts to prevent chronic
diseases and their related risk factors.
ACHIEVE encourages the development of collaborative partnerships
in all sectors of a community, and aims to combine public health
expertise from the state and local levels with the experience of
agencies that have expertise in providing community support and
outreach, such as local park and recreation departments and the
YMCA. Tulsa Parks will receive a $35,000 grant for professional
development opportunities related to health education and community
outreach-including an Action Institute where community leaders can
learn about effective strategies to design, implement and effect
community change-and to promote programming focusing on issues such
as physical fitness and obesity, nutrition and tobacco
cessation.
Tulsa Parks plans on partnering with the Community Service
Council of Tulsa to implement a Jump Rope Program to fight
childhood obesity. The program could possibly include exhibition
jumping and team competition.
Through a partnership between NRPA, the National Association of
County and City Health Officials, the National Association of
Chronic Disease Directors, and the YMCA of the USA, a total of 40
U.S. communities in 23 states and one territory were chosen to be
ACHIEVE communities for 2010. The 2010 communities will build upon
the successes of the 2008 and 2009 ACHIEVE communities.
"We'll be utilizing other youth group leaders to help make this
program a success," says Rhonda Freiner, project leader for Tulsa
Parks. "The program should begin this fall and continue for the
next three years at least."
"Our country is experiencing a staggering increase in health
issues, which we can only overcome by investing in and supporting
programming and education at the local level," said Barbara
Tulipane, CEO of NRPA. "The inspiring efforts of our 2010 ACHIEVE
agencies will enhance the health and livability of their local
communities, and create awareness of the essential services that
parks and recreation provide to individuals in terms of physical
fitness, health and wellness."
The National Recreation and Park Association is
a national not-for-profit organization dedicated to advancing park,
recreation and conservation efforts that enhance quality of life
for all people. Through its network of 21,000 recreation and park
professionals and citizens, NRPA encourages the promotion of
healthy lifestyles, recreation initiatives, and conservation of
natural and cultural resources. For more information, visit
www.nrpa.org.
