By J. Wayne Oldroyd
Including health and wellness in a municipal master plan is a relatively new idea. Dealing with the issue of health and well-being is not. In fact, these issues were derived from progressive movements in the early 1900s. The planning profession originally a focused on social issues and the health of the urban environment. After the adoption of the first zoning codes (New York City, San Francisco, etc.). Planners realigned their focus to zoning administration and left public health issues to others. In the Last decade, this focus has changed once again. A potential cause of that shift may be the aging of the population and the influence of the “baby boomers” generation.
Assuming a community wishes to address health and wellness in the comprehensive plan there are issues and process too be considered.
First, is the consideration of the planning boards powers in respect to the development of a comprehensive plan.
Ideally, the inclusion of a health and wellness component of the master plan is in response to the city’s visioning process or strategic goals. Prior to formulating the health and wellness element of the plan, the planning board should develop goals and objectives as part of the public engagement process. For example, a goal may be “to build a healthier community.” This goal would lead to analysis of health data for that particular community, issues to be examined include defining general well-being, evaluating the safety of the road system and pedestrian walkways such as trails or sidewalks. It would be an opportune time to determine whether the community considers self “active” when it identifies the prevalent lifestyle.
A range of convenient transportation options can encourage people to choose active travel choices when travelling a community. When more people walk or bike, the entire community can benefit from a reduction in traffic congestion, parking demands, and carbon emissions. Shorter trips also allow more personal time.
Successful transportation systems provide independence, safety, and comfort while moving people and goods through the community. Car, pedestrian, bike, and public transit infrastructure all contribute to make a community more accessible. It provides mobility to workers, residents, and visitors by connecting them to destinations such as schools, jobs, and recreation.
In a healthy community, people of all ages and abilities have multiple options for transportation without inhibiting any single mode. Enhanced streets, sidewalks, and trails all work together to shorten travel distances and improve travel choices.
Unfortunately, the most vulnerable populations are also those without cars. Children, elderly, and the disabled benefit enormously from safer streets. Future plans and policies in the community should address safe routes to school and ADA-compliant sidewalks for these populations.
As the senior population is expected to increase into the future, an emphasis must be made on meeting the needs and expectations of an aging population. Access to amenities and health services, assistance with mobility, and social opportunities all support aging residents of the community these residents are typically active in the community and should be supported.
Attracting and retaining aging residents can be an economic stimulus to the city. These residents can also provide inter-generational connections and protect the narrative of the city. All residents will benefit from health initiatives supporting senior residents, especially those with disabilities and limited mobility.
If the master plan is properly implemented the following benefits can accrue to the community
- spending less money on transportation costs
- the city becomes more accessible for those who live, work, and play, transportation options
- reduced parking demands, congestion (good for mental health)
- less carbon emission; less noise pollution: shorter trips,
- connecting residents with local businesses; retaining business dollars within the community.
A city can create a culture of healthy living through infrastructure by making exercise more accessible to ordinary individuals. When the community comes together to support healthy activities, the experience becomes more fun and rewarding. Parks and open space help foster residential interactions and build place-making where people create memories and benefit from an enhanced quality of life.
- decrease stress, improve mental wellbeing, improved physical health, decrease obesity rates,
- decrease health care costs
- improve social friction, increase resident interactions,
- intangibles from nature, open space (parks can be placemaking)
More opportunities for exercise and recreation makes active living easier for residents, workers, Additional choices for how and when to exercise will encourage individuals to incorporate healthy behavior into their routine and build social friction within the community. Relevant infrastructure and recreational opportunities will decrease stress, improve mental wellbeing, and improve physical health.
All healthy communities provide safe spaces for individuals to carry out their daily routine. People must be able to walk, run, and bike comfortably without putting themselves or others in danger. The primary goal of improving safety is to protect the lives of residents, workers, and visitors to the community. Feeling secure also encourages more people to ride the bus, walk to the store, or go for a jog.
Safe streets do more than protect individuals from physical harm. When more people choose to walk, bike, or ride the bus, fewer cars are on the road. This reduces traffic congestion, eliminates parking stresses, and encourages community interactions.
In my opinion, the long-term strategy for any municipality is to develop an interdisciplinary approach to creating and maintaining healthy communities. The objectives of such a project include improving the performance of local planning and public health agencies by providing tools, resources, and networks to foster improved collaboration. An important part of that process is to work with public health agencies (LPHAs) and local government and planning boards to gain a better understanding of their respective authorities and functions, and how they can provide input and guidance to one another for healthier land-use planning.
