Creating SPARK, physical activity spaces in San Antonio schools by shared use agreements

Many San Antonio residents perceive limited opportunities for physical activity in their neighborhoods: only 56% reported walking in their neighborhood and 68% felt their neighborhood is safe [BRFSS 2010]. San Antonio Sports, a nonprofit sports commission, to establish a School Park Playground Program (SPARK) to expand opportunities for physical activity. Method: SPARK is an initiative of San Antonio Sports, a licensee of SPARK Houston, in partnership with the San Antonio Metropolitan Health District and the UTSA College of Architecture. SPARK turns public elementary and middle school property into neighborhood parks to be enjoyed by the community outside of school hours. Resources for park planning and development come from school districts, the private sector, government, neighborhood groups, and PTA's . School officials, students, parents and neighbors guide the park design and participate in funding and maintenance obligations to support the park. Each park is a unique reflection of the school and neighborhood. . Results: San Antonio Sports worked with SPARK Houston to establish program parameters, guidance and resource development documents. San Antonio Sports marketed the program to all the schools districts in Bexar County and three districts have initiated SPARKs at three elementary schools. The goal is to build one SPARK in each City Council district each year leading to 100 new school parks in the next decade Discussion: Collaboration between Metro Health and San Antonio Sports has lead to the implementation of SPARK to create convenient, safe places for students and residents to play and exercise outside of school hours.