By Clare S. Richie
Nationally, nearly one in five children are obese. In Georgia, “four out of five school children cannot perform basic physical tasks that indicate a healthy level of fitness,” per the Georgia Department of Education. Insufficient play space, lack of physical activity, and poor eating habits are at the root of this epidemic.
Atlanta ContactPoint (ACP), an all-volunteer nonprofit established in 2012, is fighting back with “good, old-fashioned play” and a focus on nutrition, social responsibility and environmental stewardship. According to Steve Soto, an ACP founder, “we were playing roller hockey and noticed neighborhood children watching us. We stopped to show the kids how to play.” And the seed for ACP was planted. From different neighborhoods and professions, ACP’s leadership team brings together Atlantans of all ages and socioeconomic backgrounds to play and learn.
“Our immediate focus is on our three fall Play Days – the next one is Sept. 21 in Candler Park kicked off by a 5k,” said Shannon Goines, another ACP founder. A Play Day is a free, fair-style event held at city parks to introduce kids and adults to the benefits of sports, fitness, nutrition, art, and sustainable initiatives. Local coaches and organizations lead the activities and provide gear.
“We are thrilled to be endorsed by Piedmont Park Conservancy, Park Pride, City of Atlanta Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs, and the Atlanta BeltLine,” Goines added.
They join a long list of partners who have donated their time, equipment, and expertise, such as Atlanta Sport & Social Club, Blaze Sports, Soccer in the Streets, Nex Atlanta, ETIKA, Abbadabas, Atlanta Braves, Atlanta Hawks and 100 more organizations.
The best praise comes from attendees. “At a Play Day, my son tried baseball for the first time with the guidance and support of volunteers. He loved it and I saw a huge boost in his confidence. He can’t wait to attend the next one,” said Lake Claire parent Laurie Whitehead.
What’s next?
“We want a home,” Goines said. ACP is developing its proposal to the Georgia Building Authority and the governor to acquire Pullman Yard, the 25-acre abandoned industrial site on DeKalb Avenue in Kirkwood. ACP’s plans include outdoor playfields; repurposing historic buildings into indoor athletics, arts, and nutritional venues; a café with local produce; sporting goods retail/rental; physical therapy; event space for performing arts, parties, and fundraisers; classrooms for home scholars and after-school activities; and more.
“For years, I thought Pullman Yard was the perfect location for bridging north and south Atlanta neighborhoods,” Soto explained. ACP’s vision is in-line with the neighborhood’s desire to preserve historic buildings and have an inclusive community hub. It’s easily accessed from MARTA, the BeltLine, and the PATH. “Plus, it’s a manifestation of the Governor’s own Georgia SHAPE initiative and aligns well with Mayor Reed’s Centers of Hope initiative” Goines added. This idea could be replicated across Georgia and the country.
As ACP works toward acquiring a permanent home, they will continue to raise awareness through Play Days. Join them this fall to reconnect to the power of play.
Upcoming 2013 ACP Play Days
Each is held from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Sept. 21: Candler Park (kicked off with 5K)
Oct. 5: Atlanta BeltLine East Side Trail, Historic Fourth Ward Skate Park
Oct. 19: Piedmont Park’s Active Oval
For more details, visit atlcp.org.
