Oakland has five public pools, translating to just 1.4 pool pools per 100,000 residents (below the national average of 2.3 for the 100 most populated cities). 47 Oakland pools reopened at full capacity in summer 2022 for the first time during the COVID-19 pandemic, but the Roberts Park swimming pool was closed for maintenance, putting extra demand on other pools. 48
came back,” she said. “But now I feel safe because my coach is watching out for my safety.” Coaches can help youth feel safe and triage mental health red flags. For example, Girls Inc. Alameda County uses a trauma-informed approach to its activities that include bike riding and hiking. The nonprofit learned it must manage the trauma that youth experience in order for them to benefit from the activities. 20 20% LATINO/A 15 15% BLACK 17 17% ASIAN 10 10% BOYS 8 8% WHITE 18 18% GIRLS YOUTH WHO DON’T PLAY SPORTS DUE TO INJURY FEARS
Youth are struggling with their mental health.
A common theme emerged in our focus groups with Oakland children: Many are struggling with trauma. Even before COVID-19, 25% of Oakland children experienced two or more Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) – a higher rate than the nation (23%), Alameda County (20%) and California (18%). 49 COVID-19 exacerbated this. Some children feared becoming ill or, especially in underserved communities, witnessed family members die. Nationally, more than one-third of high school students reported poor mental health during COVID-19 and more than half experienced emotional abuse by an adult in their home. 50 In our Oakland youth survey, almost 1 in 10 said the biggest reason they play sports is to get away from problems. One Oakland girl recalled how despondent she was when the Mosswood Park recreation center suffered major fire damage in 2016. “I didn’t come back for years because I didn’t feel safe, and a lot of my friends never
Source: Aspen Institute Youth Survey
34
PROJECT PLAY — AN INITIATIVE OF THE ASPEN INSTITUTE
Made with FlippingBook - professional solution for displaying marketing and sales documents online