Mesa Parks
Posted: June 9, 2015
As a Youth Sports initiative, the City of Mesa Parks and Recreation founded the Positive Play Project. This initiative began in the fall of 2013, and was the start of a collaborative effort to encourage youth development and wellness in sports. The program served as an active guide and support tool for all Youth Sport coaches, parents/guardians, participants, and staff.
A.T. Still University’s Athletic Training Program joined as a partner in the project to provide high quality education, resources, and outreach in concussion, injury prevention, hydration and nutrition. Other partners of the project included the Positive Coaching Alliance, NextCare Urgent Care, ASU College of Health Solutions, and East Valley Sports. The AT program was active at three large events of the Positive Play Project, and was able to disseminate information to groups of a few hundred attendees at the kickoff of fall sports, and thousands at “Celebrate Mesa”, which has an average annual attendance of 6,000 adult and youth.
In addition to providing the public with health and wellness information, faculty and students assisted with an interactive mini combine. Adult and pediatric guests were provided handouts regarding athletic participation, injury prevention strategies, and concussion awareness and management.
For more information on the Positive Play Project, please visit the City of Mesa webpage at http://www.mesaaz.gov/things-to-do/parks-recreation-commercial-facilities/sports-programs/youth-teen-sports/positive-play-project