The National Public Health Week theme of “Designing Healthy Communities: Raising Healthy Kids” was front and center in Tacoma, Wash., where local officials and public health leaders conducted a walkability audit of the Old Town Tacoma Business District on April 7.
The goal of the audit was to raise awareness of the public health implications of land use and community design decisions, to identify key features that make communities more walkable and to document areas that need improvement.
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| Participants in a walking audit held in Tacoma, Wash., look over the business district's pedestrian environement. |
Participants walked a designated route and discussed the health and economic benefits of creating walkable communities and strategies to increase safe walking and biking. They found that a traditional grid street pattern with short blocks makes walking between destinations easier. Wide sidewalks and on-street parking provide buffers between walkers and traffic. And landscaping, street furniture, outdoor art and café-style dining invite pedestrians to use available space.
The walking auditors also found that the area employs a creative mix of land uses and variety of destinations in a compact area — including office space, retail establishments, parks and open space, a regional trail, single residences and multi-family homes. Another boon to local walkers are murals and historical signs.
On the down side, the audit uncovered inconsistent yielding of cars to pedestrians in crosswalks, high vehicle speeds entering the business district, lack of a grocery store in the neighborhood, an inadequate transit service to the business district and a lack of convenient and accessible parking.
Next steps include sharing information about the audit at a Tacoma-Pierce County Board of Health meeting and working with city staff to resolve concerns documented during the walk. Local officials have also suggested conducting walking audits in 11 other business districts in Tacoma.
The audit was organized by the Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department and the local engineering and community planning firm AHBL. Participants included elected officials, a representative from the Pierce County Executive’s Office, the president of the Washington State Coalition for the Promotion of Physical Activity, a board member from the local Rotary Club chapter, members of the Tacoma-Pierce County Board of Health and senior public health officials.
For more coverage of 2006 National Public Health Week activities from The Nation's Health, visit:
Communities come together for National Public Health Week: Hundreds of events held nationwide
http://www.apha.org/publications/tnh/archives/2006/06-06/APHANews/2745.htm
APHA Blue Ribbon Communities observe 2006 National Public Health Week: Five communities
honored for healthy built environments
http://www.apha.org/publications/tnh/archives/2006/06-06/StateLocal/2780.htm
Detroit works to improve community, child health
http://www.apha.org/publications/tnh/archives/2006/06-06/StateLocal/2778.htm
Maryland students learn about careers in public health
http://www.apha.org/publications/tnh/archives/2006/06-06/StateLocal/2777.htm
Cleveland ‘Step-N-Shop’ program brings health to markets
http://www.apha.org/publications/tnh/archives/2006/06-06/StateLocal/2776.htm
Kansas program makes tracks at the zoo
http://www.apha.org/publications/tnh/archives/2006/06-06/StateLocal/2775.htm
Alabama students bring health messages to local lawmakers
http://www.apha.org/publications/tnh/archives/2006/06-06/StateLocal/2774.htm