National Recreation and Park Association
Impact Area
Commitment
Local parks and recreation centers are great places for kids to get fit, and thanks to a partnership between the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) and PHA, many are doing just that.
Three years ago, NRPA launched its Commit to Health initiative, promising that the kids under their care would gain access to healthier food as well as greater opportunities to get up and get moving.
NRPA is one of the nation’s largest providers of out-of-school-time care, offering before- and after-school programs and summer camps to kids nationwide. Over the past three years, more than 1,250 sites have joined the Commit to Health initiative, providing healthier meals and increased physical activity for 228,000 youth.
Of the 839 NRPA centers who filled out a recent survey, 100 percent reported participation in the program’s goals to meet Healthy Eating and Physical Activity (HEPA) standards developed by the National AfterSchool Association. Ninety-seven percent dedicate at least thirty minutes of their programming time to physical activity, ensuring these activities take place outdoors as often as possible. Ninety percent limit digital device time to less than an hour.
When it comes time for meals and snacks, the majority (73 percent) only serve foods with no artificial transfats. Most serve a fruit or vegetable at every snack and meal (85 percent), serve nonfat or reduced fat dairy products (89 percent), and water (90 percent), which comes free of charge to both youth and staff.
Whether there for a full day, half day or a summer day, kids who spend time in local park programs can be sure they’ll find good, healthy fun.
228,000 youth have access to healthier meals and increased physical activity in 1,250 sites that have joined NRPA's Commit to Health initiative
Our Work In Motion
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Start the School Year Off Right — Tips for Incorporating Outdoor Play in Your Back-to-School Routine
Spending time in nature enhances critical thinking and problem solving, decreases disruptive behaviors, and increases children’s enthusiasm for learning.Local parks and greenspace are ideal venues for identifying a variety of nature based play activities.
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Boys & Girls Clubs of America, National Recreation and Park Association Join Partnership for a Healthier America to Create Healthier Environments for Five Million Kids
Two of the nation's largest providers of low-cost or free out-of-school time activities, Boys & Girls Clubs of America (BGCA) and the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA), have committed to encouraging 5,400 sites and Clubs nationwide to adopt strong standards for nutrition and physical activity.
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Committing to Health With the National Recreation and Park Association
Whether there for a full day, half day or a summer day, kids who spend time in local park programs can be sure they’ll find good, healthy fun at NRPA sites.
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National Catalyst for Change Award Finalists Announced at Partnership for a Healthier America Summit
Partnership for a Healthier America announces finalists for the 2017 Catalyst for Change Awards, which include the PHA Partner of the Year Award and the PHA Impact Award, at its annual Building a Healthier Future Summit.
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10 Ways to Get Fit in Your Local Parks and Rec
Did you know getting at least 150 minutes of physical activity per week can lead to improved fitness, strength and mental health, not to mention improved academic performance for the kiddos? The National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) has come up with solutions to help you and your family burn off end-of-summer steam.
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July is Park and Recreation Month!
Play is vital for our health and wellbeing and there’s no better place to play than our local parks and rec. Celebrate Park and Recreation Month this July 2017 with our partner NRPA.
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National Recreation and Parks Association Implements New Standards Impacting More Than a Quarter of a Million Children
Local park and recreation agencies across the country are involved in Commit to Health in a nationwide effort to create healthier environments for children in the National Recreation and Parks Association (NRPA) programs.