subject: Playground Equipment Fights Childhood Obesity, Promotes Military Preparedness [print this page] Playground Equipment Fights Childhood Obesity, Promotes Military Preparedness
Our nation's rapid increase in childhood obesity is starting to affect not only kids' health, but also our military's preparedness. A 2010 report published in the journal Military Medicine stated that, "Failure to meet weight standards is the top reason for medical disqualification for service, with approximately 10,000 enlisted applicants disqualified for this reason in 2007" and "as the percentage of overweight and obese applicants has steadily risen over the past two decades, the percentage of recruits who meet the military's age-specific weight for height accession standards has declined."
Retired Major General Paul D. Monroe, testifying before congress on behalf of the children's organization Mission: Readiness, stated "Make no mistake about it; the obesity epidemic poses a genuine threat to our national security."
There is, however, some good news on the fight against childhood obesity from the military itself. Installation of playgrounds to increase fitness is increasing at military family housing, in child development centers and at youth centers. The July 2010 issue of Government Recreation & Fitness reported on success stories with playground equipment at military installations across the country.
Here at BCI Burke, we have a military playground success story of our own. Our local representative for southern California, Innovative Playgrounds, worked together with Marine Corps Air Station Miramar to create an exceptional playground on the east end of Mills Park that would meet the needs of both children with special needs as well as able-bodied kids.The playground provides ample play opportunities including ramps, accessible panels, freestanding music panels, benches, tables, trash receptacles and shade canopies to protect the children's delicate skin from the sun, as well as safety surfacing and fencing.
"The main goal was to have activities that were both educational and developmentally appropriate for a wide range of ages and ability levels. There are even activities that allow parents and children to interact on and off the structure," says Deanna Angel, Miramar Exceptional Family Member Program Manager.
We are proud to assist our nation's military and other government agencies and can provide full support from start to finish on projects for playground equipment, adult fitness equipment and site furnishings such as picnic tables, grills, benches and other items. For more information, contact your local Burke representative. We also offer GSA purchasing through Premier Playgrounds, contract GS-07F-0081M.
