Burroughs Elementary parents in Fresno are combatting obesity in their neighborhood. Parents, with help from Fresno Metro Ministry, rallied community support and met with officials to get the school’s gates unlocked after hours—creating a safe place for children to play and for community activities.

Safe Spaces to Play

Parents took the Healthy Communities, Healthy Kids training, offered by Fresno Metro Ministry (FMM) and funded by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. They learned how to identify the needs in their community, research data, convene meetings with stakeholders, and share personal stories to win support. Parents identified safe spaces for children to play as their top priority, citing concerns that 35 percent of children are obese and that the closest park is two miles away.

Healthy Children Learn Better

Parents’ well-researched argument that healthy children are more active participants in learning and in life helped win support from residents and the district. Fresno mom Gabriela Martinez feels her children’s stellar grades are directly related to her push for daily physical activity. She and others talked with more parents, telling them, “I want you to help, for the community,” she adds.

“We’re instilling a healthy habit for a lifetime,” adds Susana Cruz, also a mother in Fresno.

“Parents are the experts on the community, when they’re involved it brings about change,” says Reyna Villalobos of FMM. The organization held a forum to rally support and answer questions—and also provided child care and transportation.

Parents Address District Concerns

Villalobos and clergy from Faith in Communities helped parents meet with the principal and district officials. The mothers shared their stories about the lack of play spaces and how being active helps children learn. Martinez told the superintendent that every day her family would jump the playground’s fence so they could play, she says.

School officials were worried about liability if children got hurt after school hours. Law enforcement officials were concerned about vandalism. Parents promised to be present during play time and formed a Parent Advisory Committee to sign a contract with the district, taking responsibility for any safety issues. The district, in turn, agreed to provide portable restrooms for use after hours. “I am very proud of the parents who have stepped up,” says Burroughs Elementary Principal Carlos Castillo.

Wonderful for Our Kids

Entire families use the schoolyard and the PAC continues to meet bimonthly. A free fitness and nutrition class for parents is held on Saturdays by a former pro-boxer. Yoga and parent-child fitness classes are soon to come. “Other principals in the district are [seeking information] on how to duplicate the project at their schools,” says Castillo.

“We need to speak up and improve our country for our children. It is hard, but...it is wonderful for our kids,” adds Martinez.

For more information: contact Fresno Metro Ministry, 559-485-1416