2013-461 Health - Person County Health Dept to reach GTG Project Goals $8,000

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Section 3: Narrative: Please describe, in no more than a few paragraphs, how the funds will address each area selected. Be sure to include how your project will address systems or policy change and be sustained beyond the funding allocation,and will enhance and/or support the strategic direction. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC),engaging in regular physical activity is one of the most important things one can do for health. It is widely accepted that moving more is a proven strategy for weight control for adults and children. The CDC states, "moderate-intensity aerobic activity, like brisk walking, is generally safe for most people." Our Board of Health's strategic plan also addresses child and family obesity--land-use planning and 1UAs are areas of interest. *(http://www.cdc.gov/physicalactivity/everyone/health/) Though Orange County is rich in parks and recreation spaces,these resources tend to be concentrated in the southern part of the county. In order to increase residents' physical activity and access to active living spaces in northern Orange County,the health department would like to develop Joint Use Agreements(JUA)with Orange County Schools. The Orange County Schools currently work with Parks and Recreation and local church groups to share certain facilities for a fee. Our goal is to support the expansion of current use agreements atone to two schools.We will focus on piloting free,open access to facilities such as the gym,track, courts,and fields. Once receiving a favorable response from the Superintendent,a JUA workgroup will conduct some basic assessments and surveys,focus groups or listening sessions, and formulate recommendations on piloting or adopting a JUA. The Board of Health will be instrumental in working with the Board of Education during this process, making the case for opening up the schools for the benefit of the whole community—reaching beyond students and their families. Community Transformation Grant(CTG)funds will be used to look at feasibility,what the community wants/will support,as well as, providing the pilot locations with a stock of'free play' equipment, storage,and JUA signage for promotion and risk reduction rules. These items will last beyond the grant period and can be rotated to slow wear and tear,sustaining access to tools and space for active living. CTG funds will also be used for print media to publicize the new JUA and provide information on hours of operations and rules of conduct. A six-month check-in will be conducted to measure the results of the pilot JUA. Results will be presented to the Board of Education with a recommendation to pilot the JUA in additional schools or adopt a system-wide JUA.