In 2008, the Observing Park Environments in Nevada (OPEN) Project found that nearly 63 percent of high school students were overweight or obese. The study also showed that only 35 percent of students met the recommended levels of physical activity. The reasons for these alarming statistics include social, environmental and technological changes, as well as sedentary living.

The purpose of the OPEN Project is to conduct research that examines variables related to creating and sustaining programs and places that encourage physical activity. Researchers also looked at existing parks, trails and other community resources to determine how they were used by the public.

"Sedentary living has become a major health problem. Life has really changed - people used to walk and bike," said Dr. Monica Lounsbery, OPEN project director and UNLV professor. "Having this data can really help promote existing spaces, which are traditionally not thought of as a health assets. This [study] is really trying to get at how we can address this problem in our own neighborhood."

Partial funding for this project came from the Dean's Associate fund from the College of Education. This is a discretionary fund that the dean can use for new projects.

"If we don't pay for facilities for people to get daily physical activity in, we'll pay for it later in chronic diseases and ailments," said William Speer, interim dean of the College of Education. "The OPEN Project challenges us to become more physically fit through lifestyle choices and the promotion of healthy alternatives."