Using Parks to Bridge Diverse Communities and Enhance Health: California's Experience

Public health and parks and recreation departments share similar missions to improve community health and place importance on social equity and environmental justice to support healthy people and healthy places. These like-minded departments can successfully work together, maximize their resources and assist stakeholders in community development which promotes health, social cohesion and economic vitality in diverse communities. The California Department of Public Health and California State Parks have established a partnership to develop statewide strategies that increase physical activity and active living among California's diverse population. The departments hosted the "Get Healthier Outdoors" symposium where public health and parks and recreation leaders discussed best practices and collaboration. The development of a state strategic plan to coordinate efforts which increase opportunities for everyday physical activity for children and their families through parks and programs is being considered. This session will highlight the inter-departmental partnership, symposium lessons learned,and three statewide approaches in place to promote active living. The California Department of Public Health's "Get Healthy California", the California Roundtable on Recreation, Parks and Tourism and the "California Children's Outdoor Bill of Rights" proclamation which is endorsed by Governor Schwarzenegger and is nationally recognized for its innovative objective.