Only 35% of school-age children and youth in Canada get the daily recommended amount of moderate to vigorous physical activity, and there is a connection between students' levels of physical activity and the quality of their school playing fields, playgrounds, and outdoor facilities.
A new report from researchers at Ophea and Wilfrid Laurier University - based on audits of schoolyards conducted by "citizen scientists" (parents, students, and health and physical education classes) from across Ontario - has raised concerns about the state of Ontario schoolyards, and recommends that the province "establish minimum provincial standards for schoolyard quality."
Among the findings:
- 73% of schoolyards scored below the optimum quality
- Only 37% of schools had a dedicated outdoor classroom space
- 26% of schoolyards were rated not suitable for play
- 19% of schoolyards were unsuitable for sports
- 47% of secondary schools had no track
- Only 21% of schools have bike paths leading to the school
