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I-PARK (Investigating Parks for Active Recreation for Kids)
Research consistently shows that time spent outdoors is a strong predictor of children's physical activity and that there is an association between physical activity and access to parks and recreation areas. In addition to providing places to play and be active, parks are also neighborhood destinations that may provide near-by residents a place to walk/bike/skate. This study will gather information from approximately 25 neighborhood parks in Durham, NC to determine the relationship between specific elements (e.g. play equipment, tennis courts, etc.) within neighborhood parks and children's physical activity. Researchers will assess the contribution of neighborhood park characteristics in explaining children's physical activity in parks. They will determine how neighborhood environments are related to the extent of children's use of parks for physical activity. They will also assess the importance of parent and adult supervision on children's use of parks for physical activity. Finally, researchers will determine whether the extent of park use and children's physical activity differs by race/ethnicity, socioeconomic status, and gender.
Press Release, September 7, 2011: Hey Bobby, Slow Down! Helicopter Parents Can Impede Childs Ability to Play
Robin Moore Discusses Children's Outdoor Activity on the Rick & Donna Martinez Show: The publication of "Park-Based Physical Activity Among Children and Adolescents" in the American Journal of Preventative Mediciine prompted an interview on WPTF, Raleigh. Questions about "Helicopter parenting" led to a discussing of how reducing the role of adult involvement in children's outdoor, free play experiences provides for higher levels of physical activity and higher collaborative skills. Listen to the podcast. The Robin Moore interview is on 9/13/11 at 47:30 minutes.
January 5, 2012: An article in the Triangle Business Journal highlights findings from the publication "Park-Based Physical Activity Among Children and Adolescents" in the American Journal of Preventative Mediciine.
I-PARK: Parks for Kids: A 6-minute video translation project interpreting research findings from a multi-disciplinary team at NC State University investigating local park use in Durham North Carolina. Findings include recommendations for adapting existing local parks, and their neighborhood infrastructure, to promote an active lifestyle.
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