Creating safe and equitable spaces for physical activity in communities.
Official title: Prevention Research Center of Michigan: Transforming the Built Environment to create Safe and Equitable Spaces for Physical Activity
Funded at University of Michigan at Ann Arbor · NIH-10874073 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is all about making Flint, Michigan a healthier place by turning empty lots into safe spaces for walking and playing, so everyone in the community can enjoy being active together.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Michigan at Ann Arbor NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Ann Arbor, United States) |
| Project start | September 30, 2024 |
| Project end | September 29, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $1,000,000 |
| NIH project number | 1U48DP006791-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10874073 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for participation or benefit from this research include residents of Flint, Michigan, particularly those living in neighborhoods with high rates of violence and abandoned properties.
✕Less likely to help
Patients living in areas with adequate access to safe physical activity spaces may not receive significant benefits from this research.
What this research studies
The Prevention Research Center of Michigan focuses on transforming the built environment to promote physical activity in communities, particularly in areas facing health disparities. By collaborating with local partners, the research aims to develop and implement effective programs for reusing vacant land to create safe spaces for activities like walking and recreation. The approach combines insights from public health, urban planning, and community engagement to ensure that these initiatives are sustainable and accessible to all residents. The research specifically targets Flint, Michigan, where historical challenges have made it difficult to implement such programs.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to healthier communities by increasing access to safe spaces for physical activity, ultimately reducing health disparities.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown success in using built environment interventions to promote physical activity, but this specific approach in Flint is novel and addresses unique local challenges.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Michigan at Ann Arbor
Ann Arbor, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Zimmerman, Marc a — University of Michigan at Ann Arbor
- Study coordinator: Zimmerman, Marc a
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.