COMMUNITY BASED
INTRODUCTION
Over the last three years , the Community Based Strategy focused on communities and neighborhoods with the objective of increasing access to and participation in physical activity for all members of a community . The call to action was challenging communities to make a commitment to improve the quality of life in Polk County .
During this timeframe , activities for this strategy focused on working with the municipalities in Polk County to offer free opportunities for residents to participate in group fitness activities and to consider changes to the built environment that would encourage residents to walk and / or bike more often .
PRIOR TO THE INITIATIVE
• All municipalities in Polk County • The Board of County had signed a joint resolution for
Commissioners created the
Complete Streets policies
Livable Polk Initiative to promote best practices for coordinated
• The City of Winter Haven had land use and transportation started free physical fitness strategies to address the many activities once a month at a facets of quality of life , including downtown park called “ Family the health of our communities .
Fun and Fitness at the Fountain .”
YEAR ONE
1 . Reviewed the recommendations from the Livable Polk Initiative and created a community survey to use in talking with local governments regarding recommendations for becoming healthier communities .
2 . Participated on a panel at the Florida Recreation and Park Association Conference and American Planning Association to discuss the City of Winter Haven and Building a Healthier Polk ’ s Initiatives .
3 . Promoted the Heart of Florida Section of the Florida Chapter of the American Planning Association ’ s mini-grant to eligible applicants wanting to build a community garden . The Heart of Florida Section provided technical assistance and up to $ 1,000 in seed money .
4 . The group identified a recognition program for local governments and promoted to partners . Florida ’ s Surgeon General established the Healthy Weight Community Champion Recognition Program to recognize local governments that have implemented best practice policies to promote physical activity and improve nutrition in their jurisdictions .
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