Promoting park-based physical activity programs for Latino youth

Youth living in select communities in the state of New Jersey have been found to have more than twice the prevalence of overweight/ obesity than the national average and are significantly less likely to meet physical activity guidelines. There is growing research evidence to suggest that creating or enhancing the living environment to be more ‘activity friendly' for youth holds much promise for increasing activity, and eventually combating the obesity epidemic. We present results of the ‘Fun in the Park' program which was a unique community-based program conducted in the city of New Brunswick, NJ that used culturally relevant activities and local Latino youth as ‘park ambassadors' to promote physical activity in parks. The program was evaluated using SOPARC (System for Observing Play and Recreation in Communities), a highly used, feasible and reliable instrument that provides an assessment of park users' physical activity levels by gender, activity modes/types, estimated age and race/ ethnicity. Results showed that on program days park usage more than tripled, youth were engaged in active forms of park play (versus more sedentary) and that it may have indirectly contributed to more active play even for non-program participants. Further, we discuss the distinct features of the program, and how the program was tailored to the local Latino community. We end with suggestions on how to successfully integrate physical activity promotion programs into ongoing resources within communities, and how to effectively work with local/government groups and organizations to achieve program goals.