Park District of Oak Park

In this program guide, you will find several programs for ages 5-12 accompanied by one of six Power of Play symbols (see left column). These skills are integral ingredients in developing physically literate youth. By participating in programs which focus on sharpening each of these skills each year, our youth will be well on their way to becoming more physically literate and ultimately being active for life. That is the POWER of Play. This program is based on the Aspen Institute Project Play report. For more information, visit pdop.org. The Park District of Oak Park's New POWER OF PLAY INITIATIVE New for Fall 2016, the Park District of Oak Park is poised to change the model of recreation programs through the Power of Play Program to positively impact our youth participants. Research has shown that youth between the ages of 5-12 who sample a variety of sports and activities acquire the tools needed to successfully participate in multiple activities throughout life. The goal of the Power of Play Program is for all children to be physically literate by age 12. That is, every 12-year-old should have the ability, confidence, and desire to be physically active for life. ABILITY CONFIDENCE DESIRE Through a mix of informal play and intentional teaching of movement skills, competency in basic movement skills and an overall fitness is gained and allows individuals to engage in a variety of games and activities. As a result of programs that are inclusive of people with differing abilities, and the support and encouragement from parents, coaches, administrators, teammates and peers throughout the process, kids gain confidence in their ability to play sports or enjoy other physical activities. Through early positive experiences that are fun and motivate children to do their best, an intrinsic enthusiasm for physical activity and traditional or alternative sports grows, whether in organized or unstructured formats. SOLUTION // Physical literacy sits at the base of the Sport for All, Play for Life model, providing children with the tools to pursue the most appropriate pathway for them as they enter their teenage years. A few will pursue elite- level sports in adolescence, motivated by dreams of competing at the state, national, college, or professional levels. Many more will follow a local competitive sport track, through school, club, or community sports. The rest may choose less-structured activities and will have developed the skills and desire to enjoy a variety of TOTAL POPULATION SPORT FOR ALL, PLAY FOR LIFE MODEL BROAD ACCESS LEADS TO SUSTAINED PARTICIPATION COMPETITIVE PHYSICAL LITERACY Up to age 12, focus on ability, confidence, and desire to be active. Squaring the pyramid creates athletes for life, at all levels. RECREATIONAL ELITE Fig. 5 7 SPORT FOR ALL PLAY FOR LIFE Sport participation has been a tool of public health for more than a century. But today, most kids miss out. The problem disproportionately affects some groups and starts during the grade-school years. Some children find ways to play on their own. But the era of the sandlot or unstructured play, of kids making up games and playing with friends for hours on end, is largely gone. Today, adult-led competition dominates and tryout-based, multi-season travel teams form as early as age 6, siphoning players from and support for in-town recreation leagues that serve all kids. We emphasize performance over participation well before kids' bodies, minds, and interests mature. And we tend to value the child who can help win games or whose families can afford the rising fees. The risks for that child are overuse injuries, concussion, and burnout. 7 After-school programs will serve other kids—though far too few—through middle school. But children in many urban and underserved areas often flow into high schools with little athletic experience and where sport options are limited. Sports participation rates among youth living in households with the lowest incomes ($25,000 or less) are about half that of youth from wealthier homes ($100,000+)—16 percent vs. 30 percent. 8 Overall, the dominant model in American sports lacks a commitment to inclusion and is shaped largely but not exclusively by money, leaving many children, families, and communities on the outside looking in. Money is the biggest driver of early participation. HOUSEHOLD INCOME KEY INDICATORS OF EARLY ACCESS AVERAGE AGE AT ENTRY INTO ORGANIZED OR TEAM SPORTS GENDER AGE (years/months) RACE/ ETHNICITY PARENT MARITAL STATUS CHILD EXERCISE FREQUENCY 6 7 8 9 BOYS 6.8 GIRLS 7.4 CAUCASIAN 6.6 SINGLE/NEVER MARRIED 8.8 MARRIED 6.8 HISPANIC 8.2 ONCE A WEEK 8.9••• DAILY 6.8 $35K 8.1 $100K 6.3 AFRICAN AMERICAN 7.7 Fig. 3 RECREATIONAL TRAVEL/TIERED TOTAL POPULATION HIGH SCHOOL COLLEGE PRO OVERSERVED ATHLETE BURNOUT, INJURIES YOUTH WITH DISABILITIES CLINICALLY OBESE OR OVERWEIGHT AVERAGE OR BELOW AVERAGE ABILITY LATE BLOOMER Pushed aside are many kids who want to play. TODAY'S BROKEN MODEL PYRAMID DOES NOT MAKE ROOM FOR ALL CHILDREN LOWINCOME HOME More numbers at: www.ProjectPlay.us Fig. 4 WE CAN DO BETTER THAN THIS. Coordination Core Coordination Core L R R Rhythm & Coordination Power Speed & Agility Hand-eye Coordination Cognitive Balance & Core L R R Rhythm & Coordination Power Speed & Agility Hand-eye Coordination Cognitive Balance & Core Rhythm & Coordination Cognitive Hand-Eye Coordination Balance & Core Power Speed & Agility

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