AUSTIN, Texas — Research conducted at the University of Texas School of Public Health finds that playground markings inspired by the simplicity of hopscotch or foursquare and taken to an artistic and game-driven level, can be the key to getting kids to increase their daily physical activity levels.
Based on that research, a $320,000 grant from Dairy MAX and 2,000 volunteer hours by corporate and community volunteers, the Austin Independent School District has launched the Fuel Up to Play 60 Active Play Areas utilizing stencils and traffic paint to turn ordinary concrete playgrounds into areas where kids play hard, have fun and learn about good nutrition too. The stencils beautify the campuses while serving as built environments that promote more movement and learning. On Friday, Sept. 14, 2012, Austin Superintendent, Dr. Meria Carstarphen, and Austin Mayor, Lee Leffingwell, unveil the district-wide implementation at Barton Hills Elementary School. This celebration of all 80 schools features the Barton Hills Elementary Choir, a stencil-game showcase, and a special “flashmob” performed by 450 students. Joining them are USDA Undersecretary Kevin Connannon, Texas State Representative Mark Strama, former NFL players Dan Neil and Austin ISD Athletics Director Mike Rosenthal, and Dairy MAX representatives, as well as Andrew Springer, Ph.D., the UT professor who authored the study.
The project fulfills the CDC’s National Coordinated School Health requirements: physical education, nutrition education and parent and community involvement. Vivid playground stencils engage students both physically and academically with nutrition messages such as MyPlate.gov, fruits, vegetables, whole grains, protein and low fat dairy.
“Current research supports that students perform better academically when they increase physical activity. Students build life-long habits when they start at an early age,” says Dairy MAX representative, Lisa Losasso. “It’s a true collaborative effort with organizations like Austin ISD and Dairy MAX, that are making a profound impact on the health and education of these children.”
Source: Dairy MAX
