Building Healthy Communities
for Active Aging Awards 2010
•
NG
initiative
Protecting the Health
of Older Americans
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About the Award
The principal goal of the Building Healthy Communities for Active Aging Award program
is to raise awareness across the nation about healthy synergies that can be achieved when
communities combine and implement the principles of smart growth with the concepts of active
aging. Applicants are evaluated based on the overall effectiveness of their programs, level of
community involvement and outreach, use of innovative approaches, and overall environmental
and health benefits of the project.
There are two types of awards-the Achievement Award and the Commitment Award. The
Achievement Award winners are public sector entities or neighborhood or non-government
organizations that demonstrate excellence in building healthy communities for active aging.
These recipients have implemented programs and policies that improve the health and well-
being of the community and its citizens. The
Commitment Award recognizes communities
that are planning for and beginning to
integrate smart growth and active aging.
3rams
Award recipients have developed programs
and practices that reflect the best and most
comprehensive implementation of smart
growth and active aging at the neighborhood,
municipal, tribal, county, and regional levels.
BUILDING HEALTHY COMMUNITIES FOR ACTIVE AGING AWARDS 2010
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Building Healthy Communities
for Active Aging
2010 Achievement Award Winners
Award Winner: City of Charlotte, North Carolina 4
Award Winner: Brazos Valley Council of Governments, Texas 5
2010 Commitment Award Winners
Fairfax County Department of Neighborhood & Community Services, Virginia 6
Philadelphia Corporation for Aging, Pennsylvania 7
BHCAA Past Winners Updates
County of San Mateo, Half Moon Bay Senior Campus Plan, California 8
Satellite Beach, Florida 9
Carver County, Minnesota 10
BUILDING HEALTHY COMMUNITIES FOR ACTIVE AGING AWARDS 2010
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Achievement Award Winner
City of Charlotte,
North Carolina
"Charlotte understands
the value of providing a
community where its
residents can stay active
and healthy as they age.
A walkable and livable city
promotes a much higher
quality of life that facilitates
independent living. It is
important for all of our
residents to be in a city
designed to encourage
quality living."
- Debora Mitchell Sparks,
Executive Director,
Council on Aging
CONTACT:
Vivian Coleman, RLA, AICP
Pedestrian Program Manager
Charlotte Department of
Transportation
(704) 353-0481
vcoleman@ci.charlotte.nc.us
The City of Charlotte (NC) is building for the future by integrating the principles of
smart growth and active aging in its implementation of policies and practices to
enhance the quality of life for older adults. In 2005, Mecklenburg County adopted the
Status of Seniors Initiative (SOSI) which is a comprehensive set of recommendations
to make Mecklenburg County more age-friendly by improvements to the built
environment. Over the past five years, Charlotte
has used this adopted policy to organize and guide
growth and development for the city. New growth
has been concentrated in several key corridors and
activity centers have created higher densities, mixed
use development and a more walkable community.
Whether you walk, use transit, ride
your bicycle or drive your car, the City
of Charlotte is making infrastructure
improvements to accommodate all modes
of transportation.
More than 5,000 new housing units have been
constructed. Sixteen miles of greenways, 88 miles
of bike facilities and 106 miles of sidewalks have
been completed. By retrofitting dozens of streets
and adding ADA ramps at intersections, the city
has made improvements for pedestrians of all ages
and abilities. Many communities look to Charlotte as a model for development that
includes its Centers, Corridors and Wedges (growth strategy), Transportation Action
Plan (policies and programs), and Urban Street Design Guidelines (complete streets
guide).
Charlotte has incorporated senior-friendly design into street improvements,
including increasing the size of its signage (for growing numbers of older drivers).
Charlotte increased the number of crossing medians, provided longer and audible
crossing areas, and continues to provide for pedestrian safety measures in project
implementation. By focusing on the future of integrating transportation and land use,
Charlotte will become a more sustainable, mixed-use city with a sense of community
where elders can thrive.
BUILDING HEALTHY COMMUNITIES FOR ACTIVE AGING AWARDS 2010
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Achievement Award Winner
The Brazos Valley Council of Governments (BVCOG) is the first Commitment award
winner (2007) to receive the Achievement award. This seven-county regional planning
association continues to be a driving force linking smart growth and active aging.
Another partner is the Brazos Valley Obesity Prevention Network which has brought
together individuals from health, government, nonprofit, and education sectors to
improve community health and has served as a catalyst to implement walking trails
with mile markers in Bryan's downtown. The following are examples of the BVCOG's
work to engineer and program health and well-being into the lives of its residents.
The City of Bryan listened to its elders and installed attractive street lamps that use
energy efficient bulbs at regular intervals to promote active and safe activity. Planter
beds, bike racks and park benches have also been added, making it a great destination
to be active and engaged.
Bryan residents' top priority during the participatory planning process was to revitalize
downtown. Capital improvement projects and award programs such as facade
improvements to historic buildings, including the International Harvester building,
have helped make downtown a great place for people and businesses. Bryan also
acquired a seven-block area adjacent to downtown and plans to extend the streetscape
and infrastructure improvements to make it safer for biking and
walking.
College Station residents have found new reasons to walk.
Central Park has created ten wellness stations, designed in
collaboration with gerontology, kinesiology and recreation
experts from Penn State University. In addition, they have
completed a wheelchair accessible trail system at Wolf Pen
Creek and a LifeTrail™, a fitness circuit designed to meet the
needs of persons of all abilities.
Wolf Pen Creek Park in
College Station, TX.
Brazos Valley
Council of
Governments, Texas
"We are pleased to be
part of the Brazos Valley
Health Partnership and
provide an aging voice
for community decisions
that will affect the growing
population of older citizens
in the Brazos Valley."
- Ronnie Gipson, Program
Manager Brazos Valley
Area Agency on Aging
CONTACT:
Tom Wilkinson,
Executive Director
Brazos Valley Council of
Governments
(979) 595-2800
twilkinson@bvcog.org
BUILDING HEALTHY COMMUNITIES FOR ACTIVE AGING AWARDS 2010
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Fairfax County
Department of
Neighborhood &
Community
Services, Virginia
"The program gives older
adults the opportunity
to be vibrant, active, and
more engaged in their
community. As a result,
the whole community is
stronger."
- Cora Foley, Community
Leader for Senior Center
Without Walls
CONTACT:
Evan L. Braff,
Regional Manager
(703)324-5650
Evan.Braff@Fairfaxcounty.gov
r
Commitment Award Winner
Burke/West Springfield Senior Center Without Walls
is an innovative public-private partnership among the
residents of Burke, West Springfield, Fairfax Station,
local businesses, places of worship and Fairfax County
(VA) government. It was created to promote community
engagement and active aging programs for adults 55 years
of age and older.
Planning for this cost-efficient model started in 2007 and
operations began in 2009. The Center without Walls relies
entirely on existing community resources to implement
new programs for active aging. Prior to opening its virtual
doors, there were few and disparate opportunities for
elders living in the West Springfield/Burke area of Fairfax
County. The program shifts the older-adult serving paradigm from senior center-based
to community-based programs, using a shared site approach. Currently there are 10
programs serving more than 170 older adults all of whom reported increasing physical
activity as a result of community programming.
The high level of individual and community-based organization engagement provides
residents with a sense of ownership of the Center and the use of multiple locations
exposes participants to new places and people. By using a variety of existing facilities,
there wasn't a need to build a new senior center or create new public transportation
routes or transportation infrastructure in an area already rampant with over
development.
The same principles that make the Center a smart growth accomplishment have also
led to its success in increasing physical activity among older adults. With a variety of
programs, services, activities and opportunities offered at numerous locations - and
unrestrained potential for expansion and growth - the Center encourages participation.
Center Without Walls
participants find their balance.
1
BUILDING HEALTHY COMMUNITIES FOR ACTIVE AGING AWARDS 2010
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Commitment Award Winner
Philadelphia has the highest proportion of older persons (age 60+) of any of the
ten largest cities in the United States. To meet the needs of Philadelphia's elders,
Philadelphia Corporation for Aging (PGA), the Area Agency on Aging, developed an
integrated research, planning and policy agenda called Age-friendly Philadelphia,
based on the U. S. EPA's Aging Initiative model. Researchers determined that the
four EPA model principles (Staying Active connected and Engaged; Development
and Housing; Transportation and Mobility; and Staying Healthy) were related to
positive health and quality of life outcomes among older Philadelphians.
With this information in hand, a wide array of private, not-for-profit, and
government agencies has committed to creating an Age-friendly Philadelphia
focusing on five target areas: government policies that provide a high quality of
life for persons of all ages; a built environment that facilitates safety and social
connectedness; an aging network that considers the effect of the environment on
the well-being of their consumers; universities that partner with the community to
create cutting edge research;
and emerging leaders from all
fields who incorporate older
adults in their work. Examples
of collaborative projects
include: the Age-friendly
Parks Checklist, promoting
accessory dwelling units in the
new zoning code, developing
age-friendly bus shelters,
and increasing access to
community gardens and urban
farms.
Community gardens give elders the opportunity to grow their own
food, exercise, share their own knowledge, and express creativity
while spending time with others, both old and young.
Philadelphia
Corporation
for Aging,
Pennsylvania
"This is an exciting time
in Philadelphia. Organiza-
tions that haven't usually
worked together are
finding common purpose
around aging issues. I'm
proud to be a part of this
movement that addresses
issues such as community
planning and greening
the urban environment,
which support people
of all ages."
- Skip Voluntad, age 80,
Chair of the PCA Asian
Advisory Committee
CONTACT:
Kate Clark, M.P.A. Planner
Philadelphia Corporation for
Aging
(215)765-9000x5072
kclark@pcaphl.org
BUILDING HEALTHY COMMUNITIES FOR ACTIVE AGING AWARDS 2010
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County of
San Mateo, Half
Moon Bay Senior
Campus Plan,
California
"It's exciting to witness
all that goes in to making
our campus a reality. It's
bricks and mortar next!"
- Lillian Neal Age 82
CONTACT:
Sarah Lambert
Executive Director
Lesley Senior Communities
(650) 726-2741
slambert@lesleysc.org
BHCAA Winner Updates
The Half Moon Bay Senior Campus Plan was the result of a collaborative effort of
local nonprofit organizations and the County of San Mateo. The plan involves the
development of 250 units of affordable senior housing, a senior center, an adult day
health care center, with a network of pedestrian walkways and open space tying the
campus together.
Since receiving the 2009 Commitment Award, the Coastside Adult Community
Center and Coastside Senior Housing Development were granted planning and
environmental approvals by the City of Half Moon Bay to develop the senior center,
adult day health center, and 40 units of affordable senior housing. This development
represents Phase 1 of the Campus Plan. The success of the entitlement process
was a culmination of the efforts by city staff, the development team, as well as
an extensive community outreach process carried out by the partnership of the
County of San Mateo, Senior Coastsiders, Coastside Adult Day Health Center, Mercy
Housing, and Lesley Senior Communities.
In early 2011, the development team will begin the design development phase, and
the process of refining the approved schematic design. The team has selected a
general contractor who will provide valuable input to the design process, budgeting
and scheduling for this first phase of the Campus. Concurrently, the Housing
Authority of San Mateo owns six acres of the proposed campus area and has
entered into a
contract with
Mid-Peninsula
Housing Coalition
to develop Phase
II of the campus.
Approved design of Phase I of Half Moon Bay Senior Campus Plan
BUILDING HEALTHY COMMUNITIES FOR ACTIVE AGING AWARDS 2010
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BHCAA Winner Updates
^^^^^^
Satellite Beach has continued its commitment to the Communities for a Lifetime
Program by providing a safer walking environment and greater access to
recreational opportunities at the beach.
Pedestrian Safety Workshops -
Satellite Beach is presenting series
of workshops, both in class and
on local streets, to consider what
older adults can do to increase
safety while walking by evaluating
driver behavior and the physical
environment. The presentations
also consider how traffic law
enforcement can impact walking
conditions.
The Hightower Beach Park renovation received Florida
Redevelopment Association's award for Creative
Organizational Development & Funding.
Hightower Beach Park Boardwalk - Satellite Beach entered into a public-private
partnership to transform an 18-acre weathered beach access point-- with little
parking and no facilities - into a pristine park with parking, facilities, and a 560
foot-long raised boardwalk traversing the natural dune setting and providing
environmental education for both ocean and dune ecosystems. This park was
designed to provide mobility and encourage individuals of all ages and abilities to
enjoy the beach and native habitat.
A further outgrowth of the Satellite Beach initiative is the service of former Mayor
Dr. Mark Brimer and Fire Chief Don Hughes on the Florida Department of Health and
Florida Department of Elder Affairs Fall Prevention Coalition. As a result, many of
the concepts established in Satellite Beach are now being shared at the statewide
level. Additionally, Dr. Brimer has also been providing presentations to communities
and groups within Florida regarding how to move forward similar initiatives as this
established in Satellite Beach.
BUILDING HEALTHY COMMUNITIES FOR ACTIVE AGING AWARDS 2010
Satellite Beach,
Florida
"The physical improvements
at Hightower (new
restrooms, showers,
boardwalk and ocean
views) have transformed
it from a surfers' park to
a community park that
promotes friendships.
Every day, I see 15 or
more familiar faces when I
go out for our daily walk.
They form a community
of regulars-surfers (some
dressed to surf and some
wishing they could surf),
moms with their tots, and
others in their 50's, 60's,
and up-whose connection
is Hightower Beach Park."
- Patricia Van Vonderen,
Satellite Beach Resident
CONTACT:
Barbara Montanaro, CMC
City Clerk
City of Satellite Beach
(321)773-4407
bmontanaro@sate 11 itebeach .org
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Carver County
Public Health
Division and Carver
County Health
Partnership,
Minnesota
"[Our agency] has worked
closely with Carver County
and the Health Partnership
in their cutting-edge work
to develop and implement
a countywide initiative
to prepare for an older
population. Their efforts
have provided outstanding
results."
- Dawn Simonson,
Executive Director,
Metropolitan Area
Agency on Aging
CONTACT:
Katy Boone
Office of Aging Planner
Carver County Public Health
(952)361-1329
kboone@co.carver.mn.us
BHCAA Winner Updates
In 2007, the Carver County, Minnesota Board of Commissioners created the Office of
Aging housed in Public Health to prepare the County for a dramatic increase in older
residents. Most of these residents are baby boomers and have different experiences
and expectations than today's elders for housing and services.
Aging Commissions located in six cities advise the city councils on issues related to
their older residents. For example, CarFit conducts a quick, comprehensive check of
how an older person and their
vehicle work together and
recommends car adjustments
and adaptations. The Volunteer
Speed Match event pairs up
prospective volunteers with
agencies. In 2011, these two
programs will be extended to
all cities in the county.
Universal design training
sessions were held for
planning staff and elected
officials. Universal design
applied to home modification
and new construction allows persons of all abilities to age in place. Residents were
also encouraged to learn about universal design through books purchased for each of
the five county libraries.
"Book club" sessions with relevant resources related to the baby boomer population
are held at the monthly Commission meetings. The Office on Aging strives to prepare
Carver County's residents to "age in place."
Members of the City of Victoria Senior Commission and other
residents conduct a walking audit.
BUILDING HEALTHY COMMUNITIES FOR ACTIVE AGING AWARDS 2010
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What is Smart Growth?
The built environment—places where we live, work, and play—
impacts people of all ages. Where and how we build our communities
and our transportation networks shape our environment and have
longstanding consequences on our
daily lives and the quality of our
environment. Communities use smart
growth strategies to minimize the
impacts of their built environments
on both human health and the
natural environment by integrating
economic, environmental, and social
considerations into development
practices. Using smart growth
techniques, communities create
attractive, walkable neighborhoods that
give people of varying ages, income
levels, and physical abilities a range of
Smart growth neighborhoods often have
shops, businesses and recreation within
safe, affordable, and convenient choices walking distance from housing.
in where to live and how to get around.
Growing smart helps to reduce our ecological footprint and
preserve natural resources and open space. By investing in existing
communities and valuing the unique assets found in rural, suburban
and urban settings, communities are also finding ways to spur new
economic development and opportunity.
For more information, please visit...
www.epa.gov/smartgrowth
Smart Growth
Principles
Mix land uses.
Take advantage of compact
building design.
Create a range of housing
opportunities and choices.
Create walkable
neighborhoods.
Foster distinctive, attractive
communities with a strong
sense of place.
Preserve open space,
farmland, natural beauty, and
critical environmental areas.
Strengthen and direct
development toward existing
communities.
Provide a variety of
transportation choices.
Make development decisions
predictable, fair, and cost
effective.
Encourage community and
stakeholder collaboration in
development decisions.
BUILDING HEALTHY COMMUNITIES FOR ACTIVE AGING AWARDS 2010
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What is Active Aging?
By 2030, the number of older persons in the United
States is expected to double to more than 70
million. As our population ages, a growing number
of us will be living with chronic conditions, placing
increased pressure on our health care system. Only
20 percent of those over the age of 65 participate
in regular activity, according to the Centers for
Disease Control and Prevention. Many older adults
live with at least one chronic condition. Research
demonstrates that daily physical activity is vital
for keeping fit and controlling chronic conditions.
Creating a walkable community is one of the
principles of smart growth that fosters active aging.
Gulf Shores Beach Intersection, Gulf Shores, Alabama
Active aging strives to promote strategies that engage
older adults through a variety of structured and unstructured physical activities including walking and
biking. Communities can promote active aging by implementing a diverse array of accessible physical-
activity programs, increasing opportunities for self-directed physical activity for those 50 years of age or
older, and providing a safe environment.
For more information on active aging, please visit...
Learning Network for Active Aging:
http://www.lnactiveaging.org/
National Council on Aging's Center for Healthy Aging:
www.healthyagingprograms.org/
National Blueprint Initiative:
www.agingblueprint.org/
BUILDING HEALTHY COMMUNITIES FOR ACTIVE AGING AWARDS 2010
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Connecting Smart Growth
and Active Aging
By adopting smart growth principles, communities can design places that increase mobility and improve
the quality of life for older adults. Neighborhoods that integrate homes, shops, and services, as well as
parks and recreational facilities, allow
residents, especially older adults, to
pursue an interesting and active life
without depending on a car.
Properly designed sidewalks and
bikeways allow older residents to walk
and bike to doctors' offices, businesses,
and local shops. Transit provides access
to places that are further away. These
everyday activities promote physical
fitness. Across the nation, the average
transit rider walks or bikes 20 minutes
a day as part of using transit, meeting
two thirds of his or her daily needs for
physical activity.
The benefits of building healthy
communities for active aging are being
realized in communities across the
country. Smart land use planning that
incorporates smart growth principles by
modifying the built environment can lead to a supportive environment for active aging.
Bike Basics 101 offers seniors the opportunity to learn a new activity to promote a
healthy lifestyle.
BUILDING HEALTHY COMMUNITIES FOR ACTIVE AGING AWARDS 2010
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Announcing the 2011 Awards for Building
Healthy Communities for Active Aging
U. S. EPA's Aging Initiative announces the 4th annual Building Healthy Communities for Active Aging
Awards program. The awards recognize outstanding community planning and strategies that support active
aging. Winners will be announced in spring 2011. Applications are due July 11, 2011. Applications, award
guidelines, and entry rules can be found atwww.epa.gov/aging/bhc/awards.
Growing Smarter, Living Healthier:
A Guide to Smart Growth and Active Aging
In this guide, we address the basic principles of neighborhood and town design. But it is also intended to help
you understand why community design matters, and how becoming involved in your community's decisions
about growth can make it a better place in which to grow old. You'll find suggestions for ideas to try, and links
to resources to learn more about how to remake your neighborhoods to be easier to get around, whether you
live in a city, suburb, or small town. We'll also give you a few ideas for getting involved and staying engaged,
providing more housing options and gathering places, eating healthier, and making it easier to carry out your
daily activities. After all, our age group spans decades, and some of us are very active, while others have
limited mobility. The guidebook is located atwww.epa.gov/aging/bhc/guide/index.html
For more information, please visit...
EPA Aging Initiative: www.epa.gov/aging
Please submit questions by E-mail to: aging.info@epa.gov
BUILDING HEALTHY COMMUNITIES FOR ACTIVE AGING AWARDS 2010
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AARP
Active for Life
Administration on Aging
Alliance for Aging Research
Alliance for Healthy Homes
America Walks
American Medical Association
American Planning Association
American Public Health Association
Atlanta Regional Commission
American Society on Aging
Association of Jewish Aging Services
B'nai B'rith International
Center for Civic Partnership
Cleveland Foundation
Coalition of Wisconsin Aging Groups
Concrete Change
Council of State and Territorial
Epidemiologists
Easter Seals Project ACTION
Elder Care Advocacy of Florida
Encore Leadership Corps
Enterprise
Supporters
Thanks to the BHCAA Awards Supporters:
www.epa.gov/aging/bhc/supporters.htm
Generations United
Gerontological Society of America
Grantmakers in Aging
Gray Is Green: The National Senior
Conservation Corps
Gray Panthers
Greater Boston Physicians for Social
Responsibility
Healthy Aging Research Network
Institute for Geriatric Social Work
International City/County Management
Association
International Council on Active Aging
Local Government Commission
Milton H. Erickson Foundation, Inc.
Mobility Education
National Asian Pacific Center on Aging
National Association of Area Agencies
on Aging
National Association of Regional
Councils
National Blueprint Initiative
National Caucus and Center on
Black Aged
National Center on Senior
Transportation
National Council on Aging
National Indian Council on Aging
National Recreation and Park
Association
National Senior Citizen's Law Center
New York Academy of Medicine
Older Women's League
Partners for Livable Communities
Pedestrians Educating Drivers on
Safety
Portland State University Institute on
Aging
Project for Public Spaces
Rails-to-Trails Conservancy
Science and Environmental Health
Network
Society for Human Ecology
UMaine Center on Aging
Walkable and Livable Communities
Institute
Weinberg Foundation
WellMed Charitable Foundation
BUILDING HEALTHY COMMUNITIES FOR ACTIVE AGING AWARDS 2010
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U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Aging Initiative
1200 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW
Room 2502 Ariel Rios North
Washington, DC 20460
www.epa.gov/aging
EPA 100-K-11-001
February 2011
Recycled/Recyclable
Printed with Vegetable Oil Based Inks on Recycled Paper
(Minimum 50% Postconsumer)
Process Chlorine Free
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