Public Access to School Space (PASS): Implication for Childhood Physical Activity in Underserved Neighborhoods

Purpose: This study is part of the Central California Regional Obesity Prevention Program--a five-year initiative whose main goal is to prevent childhood-obesity through environment/policy approaches. The purpose is to determine the prevalence of joint agreements between the school and the community to share school physical activity facilities and to determine factors the influence schools' reluctance to participate in joint use agreements.

Methods: 400 schools randomly selected from 8 San Joaquin Valley counties constitute the sample. The dependent variable is joint use (yes, No). The primary independent variables are school size, urban vs. rural, school of space available for physical activity, percent funds allocated to physical education, neighborhood crime rate and neighborhood poverty level. We will use descriptive statics to assess prevalence of joint use by school and neighborhood characteristics and logistic regression to determine factors associated with joint use.

Expected Findings: Schools in less affluent communities are less likely to have joint use agreements; Schools that don't have joint use agreements see it as liability and maintenance issue; Assets differ by community type and there is a significant relationship between school facilities in and access to schools space.

Policy Significance: In poor neighborhoods a school might be the only safe-place-to-play for children. Although Joint Use policy and funding are available to support community access, schools officials may be reluctant to open space to the community. This study provides a baseline assessment of the extent of this problem and possible influencing factors which will be used to determine remedial measures.