FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
The Gallup organization has ranked Springfield 25th on its list of Communities with the Highest Rates of Regular Exercise.
The study conducted is an addition to the State of American: Well Being series. On the 2016 Community Ranking for Exercises report, Springfield, Missouri was ranked 25th in the nation. The report examines exercise in Americans across the U.S. and ranks the cities based on response and percentage of those who have exercised for 30 minutes or more a day, three or more days a week.
Gallup reported on its website that “nationally there is good news on exercise with rates of regular exercise at a nine-year high.” These rates vary by community but the top exercise communities show more 65% of their population exercises daily. Springfield reported 57.7% of the population exercised 30 minutes or more, three times a week.
The Springfield-Greene County Health Department, alongside the award-winning and nationally acclaimed Springfield-Greene County Park Board, are thrilled with these results.
“The Ozarks is truly a beautiful place to live with lots of opportunity to be active outside,“ said Director of Health Clay Goddard.
The Springfield-Greene County Park Board, accredited by the Commission for Accreditation of Parks and Recreation Agencies, offers many opportunities for residents to enjoy physical activity both indoors and out. The Park Board has 103 different sites including; neighborhood playgrounds, four golf courses, sports complexes, family centers, botanical gardens, two aquatic centers, six outdoor swimming pools, a farm park, multiple school-park sites and a zoo.
Ozark Greenways also plays a significant role in Springfield’s vitality. Ozark Greenways has built 72 miles of greenway trails in Greene and Polk counties for both recreation and transportation purposes. Ozark Greenways also partnered with the City of Springfield to designate 81 miles of on-street bike routes, including The Link, a seven-mile bike and pedestrian corridor spanning the city from north to south.
The Health Department, along with the Healthy Living Alliance advisory council, have made active living and healthy eating a key part of the Springfield Community Health Improvement Plan. More information on the improvement plan and activities surrounding those efforts can be found at OzarksHealthCommission.org.
For more information about the survey
For more information about outdoor exercise opportunities
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For more information, please contact: Kathryn Wall, Public Health Information Administrator, Springfield-Greene County Health Department at 417.874.1205 or [email protected].