Benefits and Challenges of Parks and Recreation in a Low Income Urban Community: An assessment of health initiatives in Southwest Baltimore

Objective: The purpose of this study is to identify and examine the quality of health programs offered by the recreational centers located in Southwest Baltimore and their effectiveness in the prevention of obesity. The objective of the study is to identify precisely what support is required for the recreational centers to become an intricate component in the fight against obesity and recognize what the successful activities already established. Methodology: Data for this study were collected utilizing an environmental scan approach, which includes literature reviews, attending two advisory board meetings, five in-depth interviews, social meetings, and conducting two neighborhood scans. Snowballing technique was used to identify participants for interviews and social meetings. The qualitative and quantitative data were analyzed using a coding method to classify information and produce grounded theories. Results: Some benefits were the popular summer enrichment programs, the variety of sports leagues for children, and the low cost. The primary challenges faced by the recreation centers were funding and support. Funding is the ultimate driving force in the quality of programming offered by the recreation centers, therefore the lack of funding and understaffing work as barriers in making the centers a desirable place. To attract more participation from the community, the centers need to offer unique and appealing programming. Conclusion: Recreational centers offer some potentially good programs, but with appropriate support, they could become an essential part of community wellbeing, providing a safe and positive place that promotes a healthy lifestyle to community members of all ages.