Background
The Wyoming Valley Wellness Trails Partnership received an Active Living by Design
grant late in 2003 for a project centered on a growing trail network linking urban,
suburban, and rural communities in northeast Pennsylvania, a former coal region, in
order to increase physical activity among residents.
Intervention
The partnership conducted research, collected information, created promotional documents,
worked with partners on events and programs, and participated in trail planning. Local
trail organizations continued planning and construction toward developing a trail
network. Other partners spearheaded policy change in schools and worksites and worked
toward downtown revitalization. The partnership assisted these efforts by providing
a forum in which organizations could meet.
Results
The partnership became a central resource for information about local parks, trails,
and outdoor recreational activities. The partnership increased awareness and use of
recreational facilities. Trail partners constructed 22 miles of walking and biking
trails. The partnership took advantage of an allied effort that created organizational
capacity for wellness in schools and worksites.
Lessons learned
Messages promoting social and entertainment benefits of physical activity were more
successful than those promoting health benefits. The existence of multiple small,
independent trail organizations can help advance trail development through concurrent
development efforts. Urban, suburban, and rural residents' conceptions of walkability
may differ.
Conclusions
Trails provide options for recreational and transportation-related physical activity
across urban, suburban, and rural landscapes that are supported by all constituents.
Trail builders can be strong allies in bringing active living to suburban and rural
places.
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References
- The Active Living by Design national program: community initiatives and lessons learned.Am J Prev Med. 2009; 37: S313-S321
- Census 2000.
- Greater Wyoming Valley Watershed Conservation Plan.April 1, 2008
- Tripp Umbach.1997
- “Why aren't we average?”.
Steps to a HealthierPA Luzerne County. KAZ Passport Evaluation Results, Summer 2008.
- “Northampton and Main” Announcement.2008
- Designing for active transportation.
- Designing for active living among adults.
- Save our lands, save our towns.
Article Info
Identification
Copyright
© 2009 American Journal of Preventive Medicine. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
