Page 78 - Illinois Association of Park Districts Benefits of Membership 2017 - 2018

The issue
POSITION OF THE ILLINOIS ASSOCIATION OF PARK DISTRICTS
Importance of public sector fitness facilities
Illinois’ park districts, forest preserves, conservation and recreation agencies own and operate hundreds of fitness facilities throughout the state. Publicly operated fitness facilities play a vital role in providing access to affordable exercise opportunities for the state’s residents.
In the U.S., as well as the state of Illinois, adult and childhood obesity rates are on the rise. Regular exercise is a necessary component of most doctor-recommended programs for achieving healthy lifestyles. Too often, however, the people who need them the most are unable to find affordable private-sector fitness opportunities near their homes. But many public park and recreation fitness centers serve these populations who are not historically served by private health clubs.
Public fitness facilities increase exercise rates, help fight disease and improve the economy
In the U.S., physical inactivity causes numerous physical and mental health problems, is responsible for an estimated 200,000 deaths per year and contributes to the obesity epidemic.1 However, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) have determined that creating and improving places to be active can result in a 25 percent increase in the number of people who exercise at least three times a week.2
By providing recreation and fitness centers, which are most often located in residential areas, park and recreation agencies bring fitness to the people. This proximity to fitness facilities has a direct impact on public participation in an exercise program. People with the best access to recreational facilities are 43 percent more likely to exercise 30 minutes most days than those with poor access.3 A recent report from the American Journal of Health Promotion says that people living in areas without public recreation facilities are more likely
1 U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (1996). Physical activity and health: A Report to the Surgeon General.
2 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Guide to Community Preventive Services, 2002. Creating or Improving Access to Places for Physical Activity is Strongly Recommended to Increase Physical Activity.
3 Giles-Corti, B. & Donovan, R. J., 2002. Social Science and Medicine, 54.
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