Improving the Built Environment in Rural Georgia: A Strategy to Increase Physical Activity
Abstract
Rural cities, and communities across America have higher rates of health disparities due to a mix of limited health care access, lack of resources, and economic instability. Programs that revolve around promoting physical activity in a community have been shown to decrease the average sedentary lifestyle, reduce obesity, and prevent chronic diseases.
Built environment approach is an evidence strategy to increase physical activity in a community. Roads, sidewalks, bicycle infrastructure, multi-use trails, parks, streetscapes, and community buildings are all part of the built environment. The Community Preventive Services Task Force (CPSTF) recommends built environment strategies that combine interventions that improve upon active living transportation systems.
Since 2019, the built environment approach has been applied in a rural Georgia community. Initial work focused on community engagement, education, and developing relationships with key stakeholders. Multiple workshops educated residents about the built environment and allowed for them to propose program strategies. The meetings inspired the creation of a pocket park, and a complete streets policy.
The strategies, programs, and policies implemented have created new resources such as bike racks, wayfinding signages, re-striped crosswalks, and two park master plans. These strategies will lead to the development of new recreational activities and park access, allowing for community members to be more active in their everyday life.
The built environment is a long-term strategy but over time will impact the greater population by helping people live healthier lives. Improving communities where people live, work, and gather can increase safe, equitable active living, which can lead to the decreased risk of road injuries, adverse health outcomes, and environmental hazards. The presentation will review the process, barriers, and successes of implementing the built environment approach in a rural Georgia community.
Keywords
Built Environment, Rural Communities, Physical Activity, Policy and Programs
Improving the Built Environment in Rural Georgia: A Strategy to Increase Physical Activity
Rural cities, and communities across America have higher rates of health disparities due to a mix of limited health care access, lack of resources, and economic instability. Programs that revolve around promoting physical activity in a community have been shown to decrease the average sedentary lifestyle, reduce obesity, and prevent chronic diseases.
Built environment approach is an evidence strategy to increase physical activity in a community. Roads, sidewalks, bicycle infrastructure, multi-use trails, parks, streetscapes, and community buildings are all part of the built environment. The Community Preventive Services Task Force (CPSTF) recommends built environment strategies that combine interventions that improve upon active living transportation systems.
Since 2019, the built environment approach has been applied in a rural Georgia community. Initial work focused on community engagement, education, and developing relationships with key stakeholders. Multiple workshops educated residents about the built environment and allowed for them to propose program strategies. The meetings inspired the creation of a pocket park, and a complete streets policy.
The strategies, programs, and policies implemented have created new resources such as bike racks, wayfinding signages, re-striped crosswalks, and two park master plans. These strategies will lead to the development of new recreational activities and park access, allowing for community members to be more active in their everyday life.
The built environment is a long-term strategy but over time will impact the greater population by helping people live healthier lives. Improving communities where people live, work, and gather can increase safe, equitable active living, which can lead to the decreased risk of road injuries, adverse health outcomes, and environmental hazards. The presentation will review the process, barriers, and successes of implementing the built environment approach in a rural Georgia community.
