The Communities in Motion section of the MWC toolbox is designed to help communities promote wellness through the planning and design of the built environment and through programs that encourage physical activity and healthy lifestyles. The “built environment” encompasses all buildings, spaces and products that are created, or modified, by people. It includes homes, schools, workplaces, parks/recreation areas, greenways, business areas and transportation systems. It includes land-use planning and policies that impact our communities in urban, rural and suburban areas.
Healthy Community Planning
Land use planning and zoning began as public health initiatives. Nearly a century ago the first zoning laws were adopted to protect people from the harms of industry by separating what were considered incompatible land uses. Today, one of our primary public health concerns is the lack of daily physical activity in people’s lives. Healthy community design acknowledges the relationship between the built environment and the health of a community’s residents. Community decisions in these areas affect the mobility of their residents and the accessibility of their facilities. By using the physical components of land use such as buildings, roadways, and open space, communities can help create places that encourage physical activity.
Healthy Community Facilities
Studies show that people who live in areas of high density are more likely to experience more chronic health conditions than their counterparts living in more walkable and bikeable communities. Having good pedestrian and bicycle facilities is key to creating healthy communities.
Getting People Moving
Providing facilities that encourage daily physical activity is only half the battle. If you build it they will more likely come if programs that encourage use are also established. Community awareness campaigns combined with good pedestrian and bicycle facilities are the formula for success.
