We were very fortunate to have keynote speaker Cara McNultry, Statewide Health Improvement Manager from the Minnesota Department of Health.  We have included a link below to view the presentation for those of you who may have not had the opportunity to attend that day, or for those that might like to review the items covered.

Keynote Presentation Download

Facts:

• Chronic diseases are the leading cause of death and disability in America
• Health care costs are increasing every year; more that 75% of medical care costs are attributed to chronic diseases, which in large part are preventable (CDC)
• The percentage of children and adolescents with a chronic disease condition has increased from 1.8% in 1964 to more than 7% in 2004, nationally
• Six in ten obese young people have at least one additional risk factor for heart disease
• Young people who are obese are more likely than children of normal weight to become overweight or obese adults; they are at greater risk for bone and joint problems and sleep apnea

Where: Hutchinson Event Center
When: Wednesday, August 18th, 2010
8:30am – 9:00am: Registration, Networking Opportunities, Display, Light Breakfast
9:00am – 10:30am: Meeker-McLeod-Sibley SHIP Summit

Register Here

• The City and County worked together to host a walkability workshop in August of 2009.
• The City and the Prairie Line Regional Trail Organization have sought support for a planned regional trail system which will traverse the community.
• An $800,000 grant from the Minnesota Department of Transportation will help construct a demonstration trail segment connecting the City of Arlington to a natural area/park.
• The City was recently named a “Governor’s Fit City”.
• A Safe Routes to School Coalition featuring participation by Sibley East Public School, two private schools, one charter school, three cities, and Sibley County is active in encouraging youth to walk/bike to school.  Maps of preferred walking routes in each community are being developed.
• The City promotes an annual 5K walk/run in conjunction with a community celebration.
• The City’s community center is available for indoor walking during period of adverse weather.
• The City identified a need in the Comprehensive Plan to work with Sibley Medical Center, a rural hospital in Arlington, to promote community wellness. Potential strategies to follow include literature development and crossover marketing of maps developed for the Safe Routes to School campaign for use by all community members.

A total of twenty (20) persons participated in the Walkability Workshop including City of Arlington elected officials, City of Arlington appointed officials, a Member of the Sibley East School Board, Sibley County staff members (i.e. Public Health Educator, County Engineer, Economic Development Authority/Trails Coordinator), City residents, and City youth.

The walkable community workshop agenda primarily consisted of four (4) parts: a classroom style presentation, a walking audit, a small group exercise, and the formation of an action plan.

The outcome of the workshop was to identify and prioritize specific improvements that will increase safety and accessibility for pedestrians within Arlington. The improvement priorities will serve as a catalyst to implement improvements and identify projects which may be submitted to the Minnesota Department of Transportation for funding consideration.

To view and download the full Arlington Walkable Community Workshop Report, including the results and findings, click here.