This project identified a framework for a county-wide, collaborative approach to improving affordable access to recreation for physical activity, and policy to support the sale of healthy foods in community recreation spaces. Community engagement included discussions with residents representing vulnerable populations (low income individuals and families, the disabled, seniors, etc.) on service needs, interests, and challenges to acquiring these.
The project identified specific required improvements to services in the areas of material factors (e.g., transportation, cost), connectivity factors (e.g., knowledge and awareness, access to information, etc.) and program design factors that present barriers to access and participation. A series of facilitated working sessions brought together representatives of the county’s municipalities and not-for- profit organizations to develop a framework for collaborating to work towards improvements. It also addressed the organizational needs of the nine-community and agency partnership, whose members operate in urban, rural and/or urban-rural settings.