The Pittsburgh parks prescription: a school-based approach to preventing childhood obesity

School-based, park-focused obesity prevention programs can be a creative solution to the rise in childhood and adolescent obesity rates in the last three decades. Studies have identified numerous physical and mental health benefits connected to physical activity and the outdoors. Several parks prescription programs have been developed and implemented to encourage youth to become more physically active by using their local parks. The Pittsburgh Parks Prescription (Rx) is a school-based pilot program delivered in two gym class settings in Pittsburgh’s Arsenal Elementary and Middle Schools. The program is significant to public health in its aims at increasing knowledge of local parks, desire to utilize park systems, and self-reported physical activity in parks. A review of successful school-based obesity prevention and parks prescription programs revealed a common ecological design. Interviews and small group discussions were held with key program informants to inform improvements for the Pittsburgh Parks Rx program. In response, proposed modifications were made to expand reach, increase flexibility, enhance sustainability, and integrate the Pittsburgh Parks Rx into existing programs.