Sharing the playground: Community partnerships and expanding opportunities for physical activity through joint use agreements

According to the National Physical Activity Plan, community access to recreational facilities, including school property, can help people of all ages become more active support better health outcomes (CDC, 1996; IOM, 2009). This presentation provides guidance for physical activity advocates and policymakers who are working to increase to safe and convenient places to be physically active in their communities. Joint Use Agreements provide an immediate, low-cost solution to poor access to recreational facilities for physical activity. They are best achieved through community partnerships and promote other potential benefits, such as improved social networks and reduced crime.

With funding from NYS DOH, the DASH-NY Obesity Prevention Coalition conducted a survey of New York State organizations to identify common challenges in improving access to recreational facilities through joint use agreements. Key concerns include liability, maintenance, operations, and acquiring funding support. Results from the survey informed the creation of a Joint Use Toolkit “how to” guide for promoting physical activity, fostering community safety, and enhancing community connections through local policies. The toolkit emphasizes how multi-sector partnerships support the successful implementation of joint use agreements, a cost-effective strategy for increasing equitable access to opportunities for physical activity.

Information from the toolkit and copies of the toolkit itself will be provided. The presentation will cover best practices for joint use in rural and urban communities. Examples of model policies and successful collaborations will also be presented along with information on local and statewide policies to support joint use implementation.