Building an Active Inglewood Community

A group of local organizations, called the Inglewood Active Communities Coalition, have joined together to help improve youth physical activity in Inglewood.

County statistics show that more than a quarter – or 26.8 percent – of the children in Inglewood are obese. Physical activity is one of the most important things a person can do to help prevent obesity and lower their risk for cardiovascular diseases and other chronic conditions.

In a poll of 302 Inglewood residents commissioned by the American Heart Association, over half of the participants (55 percent) felt there were not enough opportunities for young people to be physically active, citing safety concerns and poor maintenance of sidewalks and public facilities as major obstacles to exercising or taking active modes of transportation, such as walking and bicycling.

In the same poll, 91 percent of the respondents said they would be interested in using public spaces for physical activity if they were safer, properly maintained and accessible.

“Unfortunately, many people in our community live in environments that do not support active lifestyles. Inglewood has under an acre of recreation space per 1,000 people, compared to eight acres in LA County and 53 acres in the best-performing city,” says Bryce Fluellen, Community Impact Director, American Heart Association, a member of the Active Inglewood Communities Coalition. “If we alleviate some of the socioeconomic and environmental barriers and increase access to safe places to play, we can give kids in Inglewood a fighting chance to live healthier lives as adults.”

According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' 2018 Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans, school-age youth (ages 6-17) should strive for 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity achieved throughout the day, and replace sedentary behavior with activity when possible. The guidelines also note the benefits of physical activity in children to include improved cognitive function, cardiorespiratory and muscular fitness and bone health. They also have healthier weight, lower cardiovascular disease risk and fewer symptoms of depression. Plus, kids who are regularly active also have a better change of a healthy adulthood.

"Having done this work in Inglewood for the past 10 years with community members, the Social Justice Learning Institute believes that access to healthy food, healthcare, living in a clean environment and of course easy access to physical activity should be a right for all people. We're committed to working with community partners to make that happen," said Derek Steele, Health Equity Programs Director, Social Justice Learning Institute.

“Strengthening The Empowerment Process (STEP) Foundation was designed to provide community youth with opportunities that they may not otherwise receive. Developing healthy lifestyles is essential in empowering kids. Body image, self-confidence, and emotional health are directly impacted by physical activity. As we work to develop scholarly community leaders, fitness will remain an essential part,” said Travis Fenderson, co-founder, STEP Foundation.

The Inglewood Active Communities Coalition will continue to review the poll results and environmental assessment which will formulate priorities and recommended actions. The coalition strives towards the goal of improving youth physical activity in the city and transforming Inglewood into a community where everyone has the opportunity live well and healthy.

Members of the Inglewood Active Communities Coalition include the American Heart Association, Social Justice Learning Institute, Limitless Initiative, LA County Department of Health, Conscious Capital Investments, STEP Foundation, One for All, Inglewood Unified School District, Malin Properties, Fresh Food Alchemy, the California State Controller, Anthem Inc., Regal Medical Group, Compton Unified School District, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Authenticated, the Los Angeles Rams and Los Angeles Chargers.

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About the American Heart Association

The American Heart Association is a leading force for a world of longer, healthier lives. With nearly a century of lifesaving work, the association is dedicated to ensuring equitable health for all. We are a trustworthy source empowering people to improve their heart health, brain health and well-being. We collaborate with numerous organizations and millions of volunteers to fund innovative research, advocate for stronger public health policies, and share lifesaving resources and information. Connect with us on heart.org/losangeles, Facebook, Instagram and Twitter or (213) 291-7000.