Project EverGreen is raising awareness for its “Healthy Turf. Healthy Kids.” initiative, which sets out to provide safe, well-maintained and accessible parks and recreational green spaces to children and communities.
The Cleveland-based national nonprofit has designated July 16-22 as National “Healthy Turf. Healthy Kids.” Awareness Week. The week will spotlight the groups efforts to renovate green spaces across the U.S. in order to provide children with access to a safe place to play and exercise.
Managed yards, parks and athletic fields not only promote a healthier lifestyle but also contribute to economic growth, bolster community development and benefit the environment, the organization said.
“Joining this initiative is an investment in a healthier, happier future for children across the country,” said Cindy Code, executive director of Project EverGreen. “Our goal is to make sure that safe, modern green space is available so children can make exercise, athletics and recreation a part of their daily lives.”
Since the program started, renovation projects covering more than 1.6 million square feet of athletic and recreational green spaces have taken place. Projects have been completed in East Harlem, N.Y.; Hazlet, N.J.; Houston, San Antonio, Round Rock and Fort Worth, Texas; North Chicago; Cleveland; Durham and Greensboro, N.C.; West End, Wisc.; Ashland, Ore.; and Minneapolis.
In the rest of 2017, the group will launch projects in Detroit; Durham, N.C.; and San Marcos, Calif.
The group, which conducts many projects in low-income areas, said that managed green spaces result in higher park usage and increased safety in communities. Other benefits to green spaces include cooler summer weather, higher levels of activity in local children and other health benefits, such as lower blood pressure and reduced stress.
Photo: Project EverGreen
