WABASH COUNTY, Ind. – Health by Design and the Indiana State Department of Health, in partnership with the Purdue Extension Nutrition Education Program, will present a workshop on Wednesday, May 3rd 2017, designed to help Wabash County become a healthier and more active community for all ages and abilities.
The daylong workshop will bring together city staff, community stakeholders and civic leaders to learn about the benefits of designing for active living and strategies for success. The group will conduct an informal walk audit to assess the accessibility and condition of sidewalks and street crossings, and prioritize built environment strategies to encourage active living in Wabash County.
“The purpose of the workshop is to help residents of Wabash County see that strong communities are built for all ages and abilities, and to begin planning and designing an environment that will make it easier for residents to be active in their daily lives,” said Kim Irwin, executive director of Health by Design. Health by Design is a coalition that works to ensure that communities throughout Indiana have neighborhoods, public spaces and transportation infrastructure that promote physical activity and healthy living.
“If someone can easily walk to the grocery store or bike to work, they’re more likely to do so on a regular basis, which benefits them and the community,” Irwin added. “We also encourage people to look at the built environment from the standpoint of whether someone using a wheelchair or pushing a stroller can easily move from one destination to another.”
Presenters will include staff from Health by Design and the Indiana State Department of Health.
WHAT: Active Living Workshop
WHO: Kim Irwin, MPH, Executive Director, Health by Design
Kate Riordan, MUP, Active Living Program Manager, Health by Design
JoEllen (Joey) Vrazel, PhD, MA, Active Living Consultant, Health by Design
Pete Fritz, RLA, AICP, Healthy Communities Planner, Indiana State Department of Health
WHERE: Wabash County YMCA
WHEN: Wednesday May 3, 2017 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. workshop for community leaders and advocates