School playgrounds and recreational facilities could play a major role in helping to combat childhood obesity - but only if they remain open and accessible, says a recent RAND corporation study.

In many low-income areas where there is limited or no access to neighborhood parks, children are often heavier and more sedentary. Access to playgrounds, basketball courts and paved playing surfaces - such as those found in schools - could help to increase opportunities for physical activity. But many schools are closing their doors and their playground areas on weekends, researchers found.

Of those areas observed in the study, Washington/Baltimore, Tucson, and New Orleans schools were least likely to have unlocked schools with accessible facilities.

Labels: exercise, playgrounds, schools