Equity in Facility Access: Model Joint Use Agreement

In development of a model JUA, the team learned about the spectrum of shared use, read policy briefs, and reviewed toolkits from the National Partnership on Safe Routes to School, Change Lab Solutions, and the Childhood Obesity Prevention Coalition of Washington. They evaluated 4 model Joint Use Agreements developed by Change Lab Solutions and the National Policy & Legal Analysis Network to Prevent Childhood Obesity and ultimately selected one to revise and integrate feedback into. The team clarified use of supplemental facilities such as lockers, restrooms, and storage, adjusted language to a collaborative approach, and recommended equity goals be noted in the agreement. This model can be applied to agreements between school district and local city government as well as third parties such as community-based organizations, youth leagues, and/or other recreation providers….Continue reading Equity in Facility Access: Model Joint Use Agreement

Audio Blog: Victor Johnson of Fenix Basketball

Last month, COALITION UW intern LAURIE WILLOUGHBY sat down with Fenix Basketball’s Victor Johnson to discuss his work and his vision for the youth basketball and AAU system. Enjoy! Connect With Fenix Basketball and Victor. Connect with Laurie and the Coalition. Transcript Laurie: Alrighty. Hello, my name is Laurie Willoughby. I am an intern with…Continue reading Audio Blog: Victor Johnson of Fenix Basketball

Seattle Mariners Community Impact Grant Partnership Announcement

We’re proud to announce the King County Play Equity Coalition has been selected as a 2021 Seattle Mariners Community Impact Grant partner. With assistance from Mariners Care, this $20,000 grant will catalyze creation of a Youth Action Team to increase and amplify youth leadership and perspective as the King County Play Equity Coalition builds equitable…Continue reading Seattle Mariners Community Impact Grant Partnership Announcement

COVID Impacts on the Youth Sports and Outdoor Recreation Sector

One challenge in advocating for play equity is the youth physical activity, sports, and outdoor recreation sector is decentralized. Youth physical activity happens across a broad range of other “sectors” including schools, parks and recreation, nature/environment, out of school time, youth development, and youth sports. Unfortunately, few of these other sectors view equitable access to and engagement in physical activity as a high priority. In fact, from a policy and funding standpoint, youth physical activity and education is often the lowest priority leaving it vulnerable to cuts from the very institutions – schools and municipalities – best positioned to provide access….Continue reading COVID Impacts on the Youth Sports and Outdoor Recreation Sector

Celebrating AGE-UP in partnership with Seattle Sports Commission

The King County Play Equity Coalition is excited to announce a new partnership with the Seattle Sports Commission to elevate the work of organizations furthering Play Equity in King County. Equity and Inclusion in Sports Award – All Girl Everything Ultimate Program – AGE UP, uses ultimate frisbee to invest in black, indigenous and people…Continue reading Celebrating AGE-UP in partnership with Seattle Sports Commission

Part 4: If access to fields and facilities is limited, how will you decide which groups/individuals get access?

Access to playfields, courts and other sports facilities has long been more challenging for youth of color in King County, especially in South King County where there are fewer playfields and transportation infrastructure. Across the county, there are significant barriers to access….Continue reading Part 4: If access to fields and facilities is limited, how will you decide which groups/individuals get access?

Webinar replay: Free play and its role in health, equity, and community in King County

King County Play Equity Coalition webinar recorded live, 11/12/2020: Free play and its role in health, equity, and community in King County A cross-sector conversation discussing: The importance of free play for physical activity, mental health, and improved learning. How COVID is making us re-examine the importance of unstructured play. Inequities of access to free…Continue reading Webinar replay: Free play and its role in health, equity, and community in King County

Part 3: Are coaches and staff trained to meet the needs of returning youth: trauma-informed coaching, safety and health practices, knowledge of the health and economic impact to the community?

INTRODUCTION: ARE REOPENING SOLUTIONS CENTERING THOSE WHO ARE TRADITIONALLY FARTHEST FROM ACCESS? As part of the King County Play Equity Coalition’s COVID-19 response, we created Equity Considerations for Return to Play Resource for sports and recreation leaders to read and consider as they reopen and return to play. These considerations are not exhaustive but are the…Continue reading Part 3: Are coaches and staff trained to meet the needs of returning youth: trauma-informed coaching, safety and health practices, knowledge of the health and economic impact to the community?