Pleasanton Parks and Recreation Master Plan

3-5 Pleasanton Parks and Recreation Master Plan Section Three – Recreation Programming Recommendations 2014 Changing Life Styles The maturing of the “Gen X” (persons born between 1965‐1976) and coming of age of “Gen Y” or “Millennials” (persons born between 1977‐1996) demographic sectors will create interesting changes to the preferences of activities and leisure sports. Digital technologies are pervasive and rapidly change the social interaction and speed of information delivery. Advances in high technology devices and applications have replaced some active time in the daily leisure schedule, which may be a contributing factor to a new generation of sedentary behaviors and resulting obesity and health problems. The challenge for the recreation industry will be to create interesting offerings, classes and programs that may utilize the technological advances to bring people together and increase physical activity. Walking has historically been the highest outdoor participation activity for Americans, and this is especially true for Pleasantonians, with favorable weather conditions and natural beauty. It should be a priority to make Pleasanton even more walkable and with the addition of new programs to encourage participation, trail use for walking, bicycling and hiking will increase and fitness levels will be positively affected. Society and Economy Pleasanton remains a highly employed population amidst a national and especially high California unemployment rate. This is due to its highly educated workforce. Still, unemployment is higher than usual and may continue for the next 5 years as recovery takes hold. Crime is a large concern for many California communities however Pleasanton’s crime rate is noticeably lower than the average for comparably sized cities. This will make Pleasanton a more desirable place to which to relocate in the coming years. Sustainability Global warming awareness, environmental stewardship and sustainable development have not seen a larger increase since the advent of the California Environmental Quality Act and National Environmental Policy Act, both adopted in 1970. This is an opportunity for Cities to set an example with ecologically principled park development and maintenance practices as well as potential for unique recreation program focused on urban gardening, nature experiences, natural landscapes preservation, recycling programs and outdoor/environmental education. Parks and Recreation The industry of Parks and Recreation is seen as one of the best industries that can have an impact on the obesity epidemic in the United States. Californians became more obese by 78% over the past 15 years, although Alameda County was only at 29%. The State’s Center for Public Health put the cost to California at $41 billion directly attributed from being overweight, obese and physical inactive. In 2006, the Journal of Pediatrics recognized that the proximity to parks with active features within walking distance to residential areas was a major factor in the rate of physical activity, especially among adolescent girls. The same Journal in 2012 found that playgrounds have become less physically challenging and less interesting for youth because of stricter licensing codes, resulting in children getting less than the desired amount of physical education and exercise. Pleasanton should continue its practice of building very creative and non‐traditional playgrounds that have both interesting and physically challenging elements to engage the imagination and activity of youth.