PARK AND PLAYGROUND IMPROVEMENTSThe maintenance of parks and playgrounds is very important in promoting increased use. Key maintenance improvements include:

While the C3 grant will assist in identifying desirable maintenance enhancements, it is not able to provide direct funding for many of these improvements. However, a C3 grant writer will be available to assist counties in seeking grant funding for improvement projects.

Removing hazardous and outdated equipment.

Repainting worn or unsightly surfaces.

Upgrading or adding lighting fixtures.

Utilizing greener materials and practices.

Managing litter.

Increasing surveillance/security.

Heather S. Wal lace, PhD, CFLE Assistant ProfessorDepartment of Family and Consumer Sciences

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in agriculture and natural resources, 4-H youth development, family and consumer sciences, and resource development. University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture, U.S. Department of Agriculture and county governments cooperating. UT Extension Provides equal opportunities in programs and employment.

Why focus on parks and playgrounds?

• Parks and playgroundimprovements will attract childrenand adults to the outdoors, whichcan translate into adopting moreactive lifestyles.

• Significant improvements toequipment, lighting, signage andsurveillance will allow parents tofeel more confident in permittingtheir children to play at thesefacilities.

• In bringing their children to theparks, parents themselves may bemotivated to become more active.

• Parks and playgrounds helpchildren build important social andmotor skills when engaging withtheir peers.

• A well-maintained and highlyutilized recreational facility reflectspositively on the community inwhich it is located.

• As park usage rates increase,additional opportunities for grantfunding or philanthropic donationsmay follow.

ReferencesLapham S, Cohen D, Han B, Williamson S, et al. How important is perception of safety to park use? A four-city Survey. Urban studies. 2015; 1-13. http://usj.sagepub.com/content/early/2015/06/24/0042098015592822.full.pdf+html