Sports May Ease Activity Decline during Teen Years
from Reuters
Enrolling young teens in organized sports does not prevent a decline in physical activity during later teenage years, but it does seem to help them maintain some level of physical activity over time, study findings suggest. Initially, 87 percent of the students were involved in any organized physical activity. Their level of physical activity was 42 percent higher than those who did not participate in organized activities. More

Wanted: 100,000 Places to Play
from USA Today
Play is serious business for KaBOOM!, a national non-profit aimed at locating and funding play spaces. The organization has launched a campaign to locate 100,000 play spaces — playgrounds, skate parks and field complexes — in 100 days in an effort to ensure there is a play space within walking distance of every child. More

Parks Keep Kids Active
from KDLT-TV
Usually we think of parks as a great place for children to come and play and meet up with their friends. But now we're learning parks can play an even bigger role in helping our children live longer and healthier lives. In a recent study the American Heart Association found children living near green spaces are more active. More

Trends in Playground Equipment
from Recreation Management
A swing isn't just a swing anymore, but can double as a wind instrument. And these days, a ladder isn't the only way to climb; rock walls are also du jour. Perhaps the most significant playground design change is in physical educational curriculum, where slides and jungle gyms are now every bit as likely to be employed to get kids active as that infamous climbing rope. This article reflects on some of the current trends of today’s playgrounds. More

Suburbs Give Public Lands a Natural Looke
from The Columbus Dispatch
When suburbs emerged in the 1950s and '60s, "green" meant well-manicured lawns and grassy expanses of public parks. But the cost to maintain those public areas has changed, inspiring some suburbanites and their governments to change the way they manage the land. More

When Times Get Tough: Take a Hike
from the East Valley Tribune via MSNBC
The East Valley, Ariz.'s, county parks have seen a spike in attendance since this time last year, which operators attribute to the weak economy and increased offerings at the parks. In Mesa, Ariz., Usery Mountain Regional Park had 25,230 visitors this February, compared with 18,831 the same month last year. More

Washington City to Capture 100 Years on Camera
from the Yakima Herald-Republic
Consider it a big family reunion, specifically the part where dozens of far-flung relatives check their hair, huddle up next to grandma and say, "cheese!" Now imagine your whole city is there. That's what organizers of Grandview, Wash.'s, Centennial Celebration are going for with a community portrait this Saturday. More

Field Lets Everyone Play Ball
from the Cherokee Tribune
Twelve-year-old Elizabeth von Maucher swung with all her might at the baseball sitting atop the tee Friday night. With the help of a wheelchair and a buddy, she scored a run for her team, the Cardinals. Elizabeth, who has cerebral palsy, was one of dozens of special-needs children playing the inaugural game on Horizon Field in Acworth, Ga. More

Michigan City Park Center Roof Goes Green
from the Lansing State Journal
There are 90 trays of sedum - from the common hens-and-chicks variety to creeping stock - atop Lansing, Mich.'s, first-ever "green roof." Plants soon will spring from the soil's surface, another testament to the city's commitment to a cleaner, greener Lansing and improving air quality, reducing runoff, and seeking heating and cooling efficiencies in buildings. More

California City Looking to Privatize Public Pools
from the Press Democrat
A private company will take over management of Petaluma, Calif.’s, two public swimming pools under a money-saving proposal that will allow a longer season. The arrangement could save the cash-strapped city up to $260,000 a year and is likely to extend the swim season beyond its current 17 weeks. More