An article in the Philadelphia Tribune describes how areas with higher levels of poverty face challenges providing schools with proper playgrounds. Instead, children play in areas with cracked pavements, asphalt, and dumpsters. Associate professor and chair of Applied Exercise Science Natalie Colabianchi stresses the importance of play equipment for physical activity. In a recent study conducted in Cleveland, she compared playgrounds with old or no equipment with renovated playgrounds. Those with renovated playgrounds had higher utilization and physical activity, which have both behavioral and environmental health benefits.

Read the full article on the Philadelphia Tribune website