Active design in NYC: Multi-sector partnerships and community engagement strategies

Background: Over 30% of adults living in Central and East Harlem and the South Bronx reported no physical activity in the past 30 days. Physical inactivity contributes to increased rates of obesity, heart disease, and diabetes in these communities. To address the lack of physical activity opportunities, a multicity agency group developed the “Active Design Guidelines.” Originally designed for architects and urban planners, now schools, housing providers, community members and organizations are adopting the Guidelines to find solutions and implement projects in their communities. Methods: Community-based coalitions brought together leaders from schools and housing complexes in East Harlem and the South Bronx to design and implement active design projects in their community. We offered community capacity-building activities such as active design workshops for students and community residents; technical assistance on workplans, budgets, and press outreach; and connections to key stakeholders. Results: With new capacity and transdisciplinary partnerships, the coalitions are developing active design projects in East Harlem and the South Bronx including Play Streets, stairwell murals, and community-based physical activity venues for schoolchildren. We will evaluate perceived community benefits of active design projects, how participants perceive themselves as agents of change, as well as community-engagement tools, best practices and challenges. Conclusions: Engaging multiple sectors and community residents holds the potential to identify novel, high impact active design projects and increase their feasibility, acceptance and scalability. Documenting this process will provide public health professionals, community residents and organizations with best practices for designing and implementing active design projects in their community.