Creating active playgrounds in primary schools.

ISSUE ADDRESSED: To identify a model for a process that will support schools to implement environmental modifications in playgrounds aimed at increasing physical activity.
METHODS: Kidsafe NSW (Playground Advisory Unit) was commissioned by the former Illawarra Health Promotion Unit (IHPU) to develop playground concept designs, safety audits and detailed reports for three primary schools. Each report contained several environmental recommendations to increase participation in physical activity. During this study one school was destroyed by fire. The former IHPU supported the remaining two schools to implement environmental modifications for increasing physical activity through a process of meetings and interviews.
RESULTS: Principals of both schools said they found the process to be valuable and it encouraged them to implement changes to their school environment for the purpose of increasing physical activity. School staff and the Parents and Friends Association felt that having a report from Kidsafe NSW increased the credibility and importance of the recommendations. Both schools made several changes to their playgrounds that were recommended in the report.
CONCLUSIONS: The process of providing a Kidsafe NSW playground report, as well as support through meetings and interviews, appears to promote environmental change in schools.