Project Live Active in Yancey (PLAY)

Project Live Active in Yancey (PLAY) is a community-led initiative that provides infrastructure renovation for public access, advocates for policy change, and instills health-oriented programs targeted at youth obesity. The initiative focuses on enhancements such as sidewalk extensions, new gym floors, park equipment, allowing for better connectivity within the downtown, and more space for children and adults to play. The initiative relies heavily on community participation and input – one of the most essential components is the involvement of local citizens in the process of assessing health needs and identifying solutions. The program was implemented by Healthy Yancey, which is a partnership of concerned citizens who are working toward improving the quality of health in Yancey County.

The mission of Project Live Active in Yancey is to enhance the built environment in the community in order to prevent obesity and encourage community members to be physically active.

The program has successfully tackled multiple projects in the town including renovating a local gym, installing park equipment – including an elliptical climber, a play center, a tot-tree, swing set, and learning lab – in a local park, creating a safe playground for children, and constructing a skate park.