By Kait Spielmaker and Susan Le
Mission, KS
The Johnson Drive Rehabilitation Project had its ribbon-cutting event to celebrate the improved pedestrian crossings. Brief remarks were followed by a downtown stroll to visit the new updates. The changes include; overall pavement repairs, wider sidewalks, decorative asphalt, UBAS for extending street life cycles, etc.!
El Paso, TX
El Paso’s city council passed a Complete Streets policy that will improve public safety, in partnership with the El Paso Complete Streets Coalition. In addition to safety concerns, the goal is to also promote healthy lifestyles. Incorporating bike lanes, sidewalks, crosswalks, and curb ramps to make it easier to be safe and active. The timing couldn’t have been better as El Paso is expected to receive $20 million in federal funding for transportation and infrastructure.
Louisiana
The Center for Planning Excellence in Louisiana partnered with America Walks in an attempt to connect neighborhoods and foster healthy lifestyles. The collaboration resulted in the release of a self-guided 20-minute neighborhood bingo! The activity allows residents to safely explore their area – complete with diverse housing options, gathering places, and facilities to meet basic needs should be offered without needing a vehicle.
Schuylkill County, PA
Schuylkill Girls Who Walk (SGWW) launched on August 11th. This is a regional group resembling the national group Girls Who Walk – which is active in cities around the country. This is a county-wide initiative that was established with the intention to create a safe community for all of those who want to walk, talk, and get outside. SGWW is a component of Schuylkill County’s VISION’s Schuylkill Healthy Communities program which provides or connects initiatives to increase consumption of fruits and vegetables and increase physical activity through access to free or reduced resources.
