Built Environment

Over the past several years there has been an increase in the awareness on how land use planning can positively or negatively impact human health. Specifically, as it relates to chronic disease and injury prevention. Building neighborhoods that have access to parks, trails, open space and good connectivity and street design can prevent obesity, improve safety and reduce asthma.

Healthy Shasta’s goal is to see community design that supports healthy active lifestyles. We do this by raising awareness about the impacts of land use decisions on health and by collaborating with jurisdictions to adopt and implement standards, codes, and regulations that support healthy and active lifestyles.

For more information on what constitutes healthy planning visit Links & Resources.

Creating More Walkable Communities

A “walkable” community is one that is safe, convenient, and pleasant for walking. More people walk for both recreation and transportation when a community is walkable – which helps improve fitness, health, air quality, and creates a greater sense of community.

City of Redding Service Request – Form that allows citizens to make inquiries or request repairs for street, traffic or storm drain related problems.
Walkability Checklist – A simple checklist to evaluate how walkable your neighborhood or route is, along with tips for making it better.
Anderson Walking Survey Results – Healthy Shasta, in collaboration with City of Anderson, conducted the Anderson Walking Survey in December 2011 – January 2012. The survey focused on walkability in Anderson and solicited input on priorities for making Anderson a great place to walk. The survey was designed to supplement public input on Anderson’s Draft Pedestrian Accessibility and Safety Master Plan, which guides future priority projects for improving pedestrian safety.

Walkability Recommendations from Mark Fenton

Mark Fenton, a national expert in walkability and Safe Routes to School presented a variety of local workshops in early May 2009. One of his sessions provided an overview of the various workshops as well as recommendations for creating ‘walkable’ environments.

According to Fenton, things that matter for walkability include:

Destinations within walking, biking and public transit distance
Networked sidewalks, trails, bike lanes, and crossings
Inviting settings for active travelers
Safe and accessible for all ages and abilities

For more information, view Mark Fenton’s slideshow, the one-page summary, or full report. The full report includes Fenton’s recommendations for walkability, workshop summaries, participant input, and survey results. If you would like to get involved or provide comment related to walkability, bikability or Safe Routes to School, contact Healthy Shasta at 229-8243.