LANSING, MI — The 2011 Promoting Active Communities Assessment has been launched! The PAC assessment is a free online tool that helps communities assess their built environment, policies and programs related to active living. Any city, village, township, or charter township in Michigan is eligible to register; all communities must register by June 15, 2011.
Through the online assessment, the PAC program helps people create more active communities and walkable neighborhoods. Michigan communities that support walkable, active living communities help promote healthy, economically viable neighborhoods, boost Michigan’s housing market and create environments in which to live, work and play.
“Active living communities are places where people of all abilities, ages and incomes can choose to walk or bike,” says Sarah Panken, active communities coordinator for the Michigan Fitness Foundation, “The PAC assessment is well suited to help community leaders in making accessible environments that encourage active living, whether its walking to school or biking to work, active communities inspire healthy living.”
The PAC assessment can also serve as a catalyst for other vital elements that are needed in order to achieve active, livable cities and neighborhoods. The PAC assessment is the first step for any community looking to make their neighborhoods more safe, walkable and active. Once the PAC assessment has been completed and communities have reviewed their individual feedback reports, they can better gauge what active living goals can be achieved; whether it involves collaborating with other active living advocates, becoming a part of the Safe Routes to School program, or even instituting Complete Streets policies into local planning documents.
PAC participants in a community form a team to complete the free online assessment, evaluating current community policies, environmental design and programs. Participants use the assessment to better
understand how to make the community more walkable and bikeable. Upon completing the assessment, communities receive a personalized feedback report that helps participants take steps that will result in more active, livable and economically viable hometowns. Program participants also use assessment results to enhance their local planning process and create a stronger, more sustainable community.
There are five levels of the Promoting Active Communities Award, and each award recipient earns recognition for their hard work and dedication to creating an active, healthy environment for their residents, either by receiving an award or honorable mention from the Michigan Fitness Foundation. Since the program was started in 2000, 128 communities from 53 counties across Michigan have completed the PAC assessment, many of which have completed the assessment more than once.
To learn more about active communities, the PAC program or initiating a PAC team and registering for the assessment, visit http://www.mihealthtools.org/communities. The PAC program was developed by the Michigan Department of Community Health, the Michigan Fitness Foundation, Michigan State University, and the Prevention Research Center of Michigan.
The Michigan Fitness Foundation envisions a physically educated population with the knowledge and skills to enjoy a healthy, vigorous and safe lifestyle in communities designed to support physical activity. For more information, please visit: http://www.michiganfitness.org.
