Kansas City Children Lack Adequate Physical Activity, Study Finds

Kansas City Kids Are Missing Out on Active Play, Study Reveals

Kansas City, we need to talk. A recent study has thrown some light on a concerning trend: our kids just aren’t getting enough physical activity. Conducted over the span of a year by the Aspen Institute Sports & Society Program, alongside the State of Play Kansas City, the study revealed that only 20% of kids in the area are hitting the suggested 60 minutes of exercise daily as recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). This is quite a bit lower than the national average of 24% and also trails behind figures for both Kansas and Missouri.

What’s Going Wrong?

Bill Brandmeyer, who founded the ShareWaves Foundation in Kansas City to help improve children’s lives through sports, shared insights from the report. He has valuable experience, having been part of the advisory group for the Aspen Institute’s findings. The study surveyed over 4,000 kids from grades 3 to 12 across various counties in Missouri and Kansas. So what are the kids saying about their lack of activity?

In short, they’re facing some big hurdles. Many mentioned a lack of resources and support as their biggest barriers. For example, getting to and from organized sports can be a challenge due to limited transportation options, while others noted a shortage of safe play spaces. The sad fact is, some neighborhoods lack sidewalks, making it unsafe for kids to even walk to parks or play areas.

Safety Concerns

The report highlighted that of the kids surveyed, 12% indicated they don’t utilize parks and green spaces simply because it doesn’t feel safe to walk there. This isn’t just about convenience—it can seriously hinder a child’s ability to engage in physical play.

Accessibility for Kids with Disabilities

It gets even tougher for children with disabilities. They face even more limitations when it comes to accessing sports and active opportunities. Statistics show that 41% of youth with disabilities say they don’t participate in sports due to costs, compared to 25% of their peers without disabilities. Programs designed to help these kids connect with sports are often limited and hard to find. For instance, Midwest Adaptive Sports primarily serves only a few neighborhoods, leaving many without options.

Mental Well-Being Linked to Activity

There’s a lot at stake because physical activity is strongly linked to emotional health. The survey found that inactive youth reported feeling negatively about themselves at almost double the rate of active youth. This can lead to a cycle of disengagement that’s hard to break. On the brighter side, kids who do get out and about report happier feelings: 34% said they’ve felt happy during the day, while 27% felt motivated. It’s clear that a little activity goes a long way in uplifting their spirits.

The Role of Parents and Communities

So what can we do about it? According to Shook, the Kansas City Healthy Lifestyle Collaborative’s director, we all have a role to play. Whether you’re involved in youth sports or simply a parent, asking questions and offering support is key. Are those local sports programs providing transportation stipends or scholarships? Are we letting our kids have a say in the activities they want to pursue? It’s essential for communities to come together to create safe and equitable spaces for all kids.

Final Thoughts

In a nutshell, Kansas City, our kids are missing out on essential physical activity, and it’s up to us to help them get moving. With a little effort and a community approach, we can help turn these statistics around and make sure our children have the resources and opportunities they need to grow strong and healthy. Let’s make a commitment today to nurture the next generation of active kids!