Following a number of disturbing reports on the growing trend of childhood obesity, especially among black and Latino children, Congress is holding hearings on solutions proposed by the private and non-profit sectors.
Former NFL star Eddie George offered his insight to Congress as a landscape architect and a proponent of increasing urban green spaces, including public parks and community recreation centers. George emphasized the need for children of all ages to have inexpensive, unrestricted access to spaces where they can safely play or participate in organized activities.
Considering the high cost of building green spaces across the country, George advocates approaching the proposal as an investment in the future:
WATCH EDDIE GEORGE DISCUSS THE NEED FOR GREEN SPACES WITH MSNBC’S NORAH O’DONNELL
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“There’s no way we can live healthy lifestyles without the healthy places… to be active in.”
The proposed Urban Revitalization and Livable Communities Act (HR 3734) under consideration by the House includes support for building indoor-outdoor play environments in urban areas, and is largely supported by the American Society of Landscape Architects.