The research is clear:  the more active children are, the healthier they will be now and in the future.  Yet, certain places make physical activity harder instead of easier.  Places matter since experts now know that where we live, work, and play - the physical environment itself - determines, to a large degree, whether we will be healthy.

Joint Use Agreements (JUAs) are a clear way to increase opportunities for children and adults to be more physical active.  JUAs commonly refers to two or more entities – usually a school and a city or private organization – sharing indoor and outdoor spaces like gymnasiums, athletic fields and playgrounds.  The concept is simple:  share resources to keep costs down and communities healthy.

On June 18, 2012 the North Little Rock Parks and Recreation Commission reviewed and unanimously approved the North Little Rock Joint Use Agreement (JUA) Policy prepared by Communities Putting Prevention to Work (CPPW) and Fit 2 Live.  On July 23, 2012, the North Little Rock City Council passed a resolution endorsing the Joint Use Agreement Policy.

The City of North Little Rock has declared its commitment to the Fit 2 Live initiative for healthy eating and active, and the JUA policy will further support the City’s pledge to create an environment that empowers and encourages our community to adopt healthy life choices.

With the CPPW grant, the City of North Little Rock has funded facility alterations and opened them to the public.  The alteration projects include signage, benches, trails, fitness equipment, playgrounds, tennis courts, basketball goals for parks, community centers, elementary schools and Boys and Girls Clubs.