King County Play Equity Coalition

The King County Play Equity Coalition is a network of over 115, cross-sector organizations engaged in collective action to transform Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. County (King County) into a region where all youth - particularly youth from historically underserved groups furthest from play equity - experience the physical, social, and emotional benefits of play, sports, outdoor recreation and physical activity.

Youth physical activity is a predictor of long-term health and wellbeing. Gaps in access to exercise at young ages become significant community health equity gaps in the future. The benefits of movement for youth are well-studied and facilitate healing, promote resiliency and mitigate the effects of trauma. During this time of increased stress in communities that are disproportionately impacted by the health and economic consequences of Covid-19, the ability to move and play is essential for physical and mental health.

Unfortunately, youth in King County are not moving nearly enough: prepandemic, only 19% of youth in the County were meeting the CDC’s recommended 60 minutes a day of physical activity. Youth of color, youth from lower income families, girls, youth with disabilities, and immigrant youth are even less likely to participate in physical activity and tend to be excluded from the systems and spaces where play happens. We seek to change these systems through our advocacy!

VISION:

A King County where all youth – and particularly youth from historically underserved groups – experience the transformative benefits of play, sports, outdoor recreation and physical activity.

MISSION:

King County Play Equity Coalition is a network of organizations dedicated to challenging and changing systems to shift power and center physical activity as a key part of health and youth development.