Changing the active living environment in a culturally diverse neighborhood

RE. Tanner Clarkston Community Center, J. Ingram. DeKalb County Board of Health, J. Price. Sycamore Consulting and S. Rawlins. Clarkston Community Center, Clarkston GA 30021

In DeKalb County the 2009 Youth Risk Behavior Survey revealed 29% of high school and 32% of middle school students are overweight or at risk for being overweight. Adults are also overweight, with 36% overweight and 21% obese in the 2005 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance Survey. The good news is 88% support creating and maintaining parks, trails, and recreational areas. The Clarkston community is the largest refugee resettlement community in the South East. The Active Living Plan (Plan) was created to identify and create changes in the environment that could lead to a more active lifestyle. Using the Active Living by Design Community Action Model the process began with convening the Steering Committee (Committee) comprised of residents and stakeholders. The Committee established goals and identified implementation partners. A survey of residents was conducted to determine common impediments to maintaining an active lifestyle. Current neighborhood conditions, such as facilities and land use, were assessed. Results of the surveys and input from the walkability and bikeability assessments identified improvements to roads, sidewalks, crosswalks, and safety concerns were needed. The Committee prioritized the built environment recommendations. To date 100% of the top prioritized recommendations in the Plan have been implemented and 30% completed.