Parks and Recreation System Master Plan Update (2016) parks_and_recreation_system_master_plan_update_oct | Page 162

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volunteer – 6.9% (63)
tennis – 6.57% (60)
educational programs – 4.49% (41)
fish – 4.93% (45)
Intramural/pick up sports – 4.05% (37)
Physical exercise in parks
Observation of park uses suggests that one of the strongest trends in Louisville related
to parks and recreation is a growing interest in getting more physical exercise by participating in
such activities as walking, jogging, and biking. Based on the 2016 survey, nearly 80% of park
users participate in these kinds of activities in the parks.
This is likely at least partly because of heightened awareness in recent years of health,
fitness and long-term problems with chronic diseases that result from inactivity such as
diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease and cancer. Some startling statistics from the
National Centers for Disease Control illustrate the problem:
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Nationwide the proportion of overweight adults rose from 24% in 1960 to 64% in 2000
Obese people are 40 times more likely to develop diabetes
1 in 3 Americans born today will be diagnosed with diabetes
Obesity significantly increases the risk of cancer, heart disease, stroke, high blood
pressure, arthritis and other afflictions.
Nationally, 22% of American children are now considered obese – a 55% increase from
1963
In 2005 Kentucky ranked 4 th highest in the U.S. of obese and overweight adults
(combined rate of 63% of the overall population)
30 years ago two-thirds of all U.S. children walked or biked to school; today only 13%
walk or bike to school.
78% of children fall short of recommended minimum weekly physical activity.
Many of the highest incidences of chronic diseases occur in zip codes in the southwest
and west neighborhoods in Louisville.
Parks and Recreation System Master Plan | VI. RECREATION AND LEISURE TRENDS ANALYSIS
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