LINCOLN, NE — Community leaders from across Lincoln gathered today at the Lincoln Bike Kitchen to unveil an action plan aimed at improving youth fitness, sports access, and physical activity opportunities across the city.
The plan was inspired by data that revealed decreasing rates of school children (grades 4-8) successfully completing an aerobic capacity test called the PACER (a 20-meter shuttle run). The overall pass rate fell from 74.9% in 2018-19 to 67.5% in 2023-24. Lincoln’s goal is that 80% of children/youth pass the test.
The recommended actions—developed by the Youth Fitness, Sports, and Opportunity Task Force—are outlined in a report encouraging community organizations, schools, city leaders, and families to “get in the game.” It represents the culmination of a nine-month collaborative effort by more than 30 local leaders from Lincoln Public Schools, the City of Lincoln, Bryan Health, local nonprofits, funders, coaches, and youth.
“This is more than a report—it’s a call to action,” said Kate Bolz, President/CEO of the Community Health Endowment (CHE), which convened the Task Force. “Every child in Lincoln should have the opportunity to move, play, and thrive. The recommendations in this report offer a roadmap for getting there.”
The report includes five key recommendations:
- Create a Backbone Organization
Establish a central body to drive efforts, secure funding, and measure progress (e.g., PACER test pass rates and swimming proficiency). - Expand Fitness Opportunities in Schools and Early Childhood
Enhance physical activity in early childhood, strengthen K-12 programming, and promote collaboration between schools and families. - Increase Community-Based Fitness Access
Support neighborhood-based opportunities by creating equipment banks, hosting fitness events, and reducing access barriers. - Promote Physical Activity via Health Providers
Encourage healthcare professionals to “prescribe” fitness and educate families about available resources. - Improve Access to Public Facilities
Revise agreements between Lincoln Public Schools and the City of Lincoln to promote equitable access to gyms, fields, and other amenities.
The work of the Task Force builds on years of data and community engagement led by CHE, including findings from its Place Matters initiative and a 2022 study on youth sports access.
The full report and recommended actions are available at: www.youthfitlincoln.org
