Why recognize Action Heroes?
We are all influenced by our surroundings... and often too busy to go out of our way to eat healthy and be physically active. Healthy Shasta wants to recognize and celebrate those who make healthy eating and physical activity choices convenient, enjoyable, affordable, more enticing or easier for others.
Organization/Business: City of Anderson
The City of Anderson (population 10,500) has incorporated health into their General Plan along with policies to support walkability, mixed use development, expansion of parks and recreation programs, and the integration of trails into the circulation plan. These will guide future development to support resident’s health and make walking more convenient for both recreation and transportation for generations to come. A recently developed trail system with exercise stations at Volonte Park, an 18-hole disc golf course at Anderson River Park, and downtown development with wider sidewalks, bulbouts, and parking lots behind buildings make physical activity free and convenient for residents and visitors alike. New trail extensions link low-income housing to parks. 'Healthy Snack Zone' guidelines encourage youth, parents and coaches to only bring healthy snacks to youth events and sports.
Why we like the City of Anderson:
Cities are not mandated to include health in their General Plans but we think it is good public policy to do so - resulting in improved health and quality of life for residents. Such policies positively impact residents for generations to come.
Tips from Anderson:
- Involve youth! They have great ideas and energy - and it helps build the skills of future leaders. When current decision makers listen to youth great things can happen.
- Small communities can get things done because people know each other.
- Focus on the shared goals that bring people together, not the differences that drive them apart.
