Why Playgrounds Matter in the Battle Against Childhood Obesity

The rate of childhood obesity in the United States has more than tripled since the 1970s with 1 in 5 American kids now suffering the physical, mental and emotional effects of obesity.

 “This prevalence of obesity among U.S. children and adolescents was 19.7 percent. This means that approximately 14.7 million U.S. youths aged 2-19 years have obesity,” reported the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). “For children, obesity is defined as having a body mass index (BMI) at or above the 95th percentile for age and sex.”

As communities search for effective solutions, playgrounds have emerged as a powerful tool in combating childhood obesity.

“The more children played outdoors, the more their BMI decreased over the preschool year and the less likely they were to be obese,” said a 2015 study published in the Journal of Developmental & Behavioral Pediatrics. “The difference between high versus low levels of outdoor play corresponded to .18 BMI points and a 42 percent reduction in children’s risk of obesity.”

At Churchich Recreation & Design, we believe that well-designed playgrounds can play a crucial role in promoting active lifestyles and fostering healthier communities.

The Childhood Obesity Challenge

Childhood obesity is often attributed to a combination of factors, including sedentary lifestyles, poor dietary habits, and lack of physical activity.

With the rise of digital entertainment and decreased outdoor play time, many children are not getting the recommended 60 minutes of daily physical activity.

This lack of exercise contributes significantly to weight gain and associated health problems, including rising health care costs.

“Health care for obesity is expensive for patients and the health care system. In 2019 dollars, the estimated annual medical cost of obesity among U.S. children was $1.3 billion. Medical costs for children with obesity were $116 higher per person per year than for children with healthy weight. Medical costs for children with severe obesity were $310 higher per person per year than for children with healthy weight,” said the CDC.

A Ballard Brief on “Childhood Obesity in the United States” found these key takeaways:

• Childhood obesity affects children physically, mentally, and emotionally throughout their lives.
  
  
• Studies have shown that the rate of obesity is 8.3 times greater for children who watch television for 5 hours a day versus children who watch television for 2 hours or less a day.
  
  
• Only 22 percent of children in the United States are meeting the basic activity level recommendations, and 25 percent of children in the United States are entirely sedentary.
  
  
• Parents and families play the most significant role in providing a lifestyle for children that is mentally and physically healthy, and that can combat childhood obesity.

“Obesity in the United States did not become a significant concern until the 1980s and 1990s. Research shows that in the 1970s, only 5 percent of children ages 2-19 were considered obese. Through the 1980s and 1990s, obesity rates in children ages 2-19 tripled from 5-15 percent,” said the Ballard Brief. “The United States ranks among the top 5 countries with the highest childhood obesity rates.”

Playgrounds as a Solution to this Health Problem

Playgrounds offer a unique and effective approach to addressing childhood obesity with neighborhood and school playgrounds readily accessible for most American children.

“In the 100 largest U.S. cities, there are nearly 23,000 parks and 10,000 recreation centers; 69 percent of people live within a 10-minute walk to a park,” said the National Parks Recreation and Park Association. “Obesity-related health risks are nearly reversible if children adopt healthy habits and achieve lower body mass index.”

Here are five ways playgrounds can be a solution to this pressing health problem:

1. Encouraging Physical Activity: Well-designed playgrounds provide children with opportunities for various types of physical activity. Climbing structures, swings, slides, and open spaces encourage running, jumping, and climbing – all of which contribute to increased energy expenditure and improved fitness levels. Research has shown that children who have access to playgrounds are more likely to engage in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity, which is crucial for maintaining a healthy weight.
   
   
2. Making Exercise Fun: One of the key advantages of playgrounds is that they make physical activity enjoyable for children. Unlike structured exercise programs, which may feel like a chore, playground play is inherently fun and engaging. When children are having fun, they're more likely to stay active for longer periods and return to the playground regularly.
   
   
3. Developing Motor Skills: Playgrounds offer diverse equipment that helps children develop and refine their motor skills. As children navigate different play structures, they improve their balance, coordination, and strength. These fundamental movement skills are essential for participating in sports and other physical activities throughout life, contributing to long-term health and fitness.
   
   
4. Promoting Social Interaction: Obesity in children is often associated with social isolation and lower self-esteem. Playgrounds provide a space for children to interact with peers, make friends, and develop social skills. This social aspect of play not only supports emotional well-being but also encourages more active play as children engage in group activities and games.
   
   
5. Accessible to All: Public playgrounds are typically free to use and accessible to all members of the community. This makes them an invaluable resource for families who may not have the means to enroll their children in organized sports or fitness programs. By providing equal opportunities for physical activity, playgrounds help address some of the socioeconomic disparities associated with childhood obesity.

Designing Effective Playgrounds

To maximize the impact of playgrounds in fighting childhood obesity, it's essential to focus on thoughtful design. Here are some key considerations:

• Age-Appropriate Equipment: Playgrounds should offer a range of equipment suitable for different age groups. This ensures that children of all ages can find challenging and engaging activities that promote physical activity.
  
  
• Inclusive Design: Inclusive playgrounds that accommodate children of all abilities encourage participation from a wider range of users. This approach helps ensure that no child is left out of the opportunity for active play.
  
  
• Natural Element: Incorporating natural elements like trees, rocks, and varied terrain can make playgrounds more interesting and challenging. These features encourage exploratory play and can increase the time children spend being physically active.
  
  
• Safety Considerations: While promoting active play, it's crucial to ensure playground safety. Proper surfacing, well-maintained equipment, and clear sightlines for supervision are essential elements of a safe playground design.
  
  
• Engaging Features: Innovative play structures, interactive elements, and themed designs can make playgrounds more appealing to children. The more engaging a playground is, the more likely children are to visit frequently and stay active for longer periods.

Churchich Recreation & Design Can Help Your Community Make an Impact

Investing in high-quality playgrounds can have a ripple effect throughout the community.

When children have access to engaging play spaces, they're more likely to develop positive associations with physical activity. This can lead to lifelong habits of regular exercise, potentially reducing obesity rates not just in childhood but into adulthood as well.

Moreover, playgrounds often serve as community gathering spaces, encouraging families to spend time outdoors together. This can foster a culture of active living within the community, further supporting efforts to combat obesity.

At Churchich Recreation & Design, our mission is to enrich communities with memorable, one-of-a-kind experiences for play, comfort, and connection. We specialize in creating innovative playground structures and experiences, including outdoor fitness solutions, that cater to users of all abilities, ensuring that every child can engage in active play. 

We truly believe that in the battle against childhood obesity, well-designed playgrounds are a powerful weapon.

Contact Churchich Recreation & Design today to learn how we can help create a playground that will inspire active play and healthier lifestyles for generations to come.