Fairbanks Smart Park Initiative

Building a Healthier Terre Haute

INTRODUCTION

Our Mission

Welcome to the Fairbanks Smart Park Initiative—an innovative approach to helping Terre Haute’s children live healthier, more active lives. Childhood obesity is a growing concern in our community, with local rates rising above both state and national averages. Many families struggle to find safe, engaging places for their children to be active after school or on weekends, and traditional parks often lack the interactive features that motivate kids today. The Fairbanks Smart Park Project aims to change that by transforming Fairbanks Park into a technology-enhanced, kid-friendly space that makes physical activity exciting. With a blend of outdoor play and interactive features, this Smart Park will give children the chance to move, play, explore, and build healthier habits that will last a lifetime.

THE PROBLEM

Childhood obesity in Terre Haute is more than a statistic—it is a growing public health issue affecting children’s physical, emotional, and social well-being. Local children between the ages of 5 and 13 face limited access to safe, modern recreational spaces, leaving many to spend their afternoons indoors in sedentary environments like classrooms or on screens. Research shows that only a small portion of children reach the recommended 60 minutes of daily movement, and sedentary behaviors—especially screen time—continue to rise. These patterns contribute not only to weight gain but also to increased risks of diabetes, high blood pressure, poor self-esteem, and long-term health challenges. Terre Haute families want healthier opportunities for their children, and a major part of the solution lies in improving the environments where kids spend their free time. A redesigned, engaging Fairbanks Park can provide the safe, fun, and active space our community currently lacks.

RESEARCH

Smart Parks combine traditional outdoor play with modern technology, creating an environment that speaks to how children play today. Instead of choosing between outdoor activity and digital entertainment, Smart Parks merge the two—using motion-based games, interactive surfaces, sensors, and digital challenges to keep children moving. Studies show that technology-enhanced playgrounds significantly increase children’s physical activity levels and social engagement. A review of 247 global studies found that interactive markings, games, and structured activities consistently boost movement among children. Cities like Amsterdam have already seen success: their Quest Junior Memo smart playgrounds encourage longer play times, more interaction, and healthier habits by transforming exercise into an exciting, game-like experience. Bringing a Smart Park to Fairbanks allows Terre Haute children to participate in active play that feels familiar, fun, and motivating—helping them replace screen time with movement in a way that feels natural.

Our Plan

The Fairbanks Smart Park Project is a community effort, and we want local families to be involved every step of the way. Visitors to this page can share their input, volunteer for community events, or participate in upcoming surveys that help shape the park’s final design. Whether you're a parent, educator, student, or community member, your voice matters. Together, we can create a space that inspires movement, builds confidence, and strengthens families across Terre Haute.

Target Audience

The Fairbanks Smart Park Project aims to reduce childhood obesity in Terre Haute by making daily physical activity fun, accessible, and engaging for children. The plan focuses on increasing movement through exciting interactive play, ensuring the park is accessible to kids of all abilities, and encouraging families to be active together. By combining these objectives, the project helps children develop lifelong healthy habits while strengthening community connections.

Goals & Objectives

The Fairbanks Smart Park Project aims to reduce childhood obesity by making physical activity fun, accessible, and engaging for local children. Its objectives include encouraging active play, ensuring the park is inclusive for all abilities, and promoting family involvement to boost motivation. By creating a space where kids and families can enjoy moving together, the project supports long-term healthy habits and strengthens the community.

Tactics and Logistics

The team will bring the Smart Park to life through a coordinated plan that includes meeting with the City of Terre Haute, applying for grants, and conducting multiple site visits to assess space and accessibility. Community surveys will gather input from families, and a digital mock-up will help visualize the design. A promotional campaign using flyers, social media, and school partnerships will raise awareness and support. Together, these steps create a research-based, community-centered foundation for the project.