Play Equity: Community Driven Solutions, Partnerships and Permits

In 2017 King County Parks nestled in greater Seattle, Washington began engaging in community conversations to understand community needs and priorities amid the growing divide in physical activity rates among youth. This initial conversation led to a partnership with the University of Washington, Center for Leadership in Athletics to research the State of Play in the county which led to forming the King County Play Equity Coalition. In this session, learn more about the initial research, the purpose and structure of the King County Play Equity Coalition, and their efforts to center communities most impacted by inequities in developing solutions towards a more equitable youth sports system in the county. Then hear from Seattle Parks and Recreation, one of the coalition members to learn about their process to update the Joint Use Agreement with Seattle Public Schools in support of the recommendations to increase access to opportunities for play. 

Learning Objectives:

1. Use research to identify inequities in youth sports participation and understand what youth want. 
2. Build partnerships with community-based organizations and schools towards achieving youth sports equity. 
3. Identify policies, practices and funding mechanisms that park and recreation professionals can implement to ensure all kids have a chance to play and benefit from sports.