Intro to the Physical and Built Environment
We are working with community leaders, schools, and individuals to create active, thriving spaces for people of all ages to live, work, and play.
Safe places to walk, vibrant parks, complete streets, thriving downtown areas, and public transportation for all. These make a healthy community.
Making healthy food choices at work shouldn't be hard. Donuts may satisfy our sweet tooth, but an apple makes our bodies (and workforce!) healthier. From healthy vending guidelines to sample procurement policies, we have tools you can use.
Learn MoreGrowing bodies and minds need healthy fuel. The places where our children learn play a big role in making a lifetime of healthy food choices.
Learn MoreBetter grades, improved concentration, and fewer sick days. That's just a few reasons to increase physical activity in schools. But we're talking more than just recess and PE. We have some creative ways to get kids and the whole family moving.
Learn MoreA healthy workforce gets more done! From healthy vending guidelines and support for moms returning to the workforce, to wellness policies and tracking systems, we have tools and resources to cultivate a culture of health at your worksite.
Learn MoreWhat if everyone could access fresh, affordable fruits and vegetables, while supporting our local economy? Community gardens, farmers' markets, healthy cooking classes, and local and state-level policies make healthy foods easier to eat year-round.
Learn MoreDid you know a 20-ounce soda has more sugar than 18 cookies? Cutting back on sugary drinks is one of the most effective ways to prevent weight gain or lose weight. We can help you Rethink Your Drink.
Learn MoreBreastfeeding gives babies a head start on a healthy life. Families, health care providers, employers, and community leaders can all take steps to encourage and support moms who breastfeed.
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Create communities that are denser and more connected and livable, incorporating mixed-use neighborhoods, safety, walkability and access to schools and other positive destinations and healthy food options.
Encourage design principles that support healthy roadways and streets.
Complete Streets series:
Ensure the built environment supports access to sources of healthy foods.
Increase formal joint-use agreements between communities and organizations such as schools and faith-based organizations to provide access to physical activity areas.
State, county and local policy makers will create incentives to encourage denser, more walkable communities and multi-use developments.
Create a shared community vision to develop and improve livability and economic vitality.
Visit the Progress Tracker to learn about the Priority Area’s objectives.
The Physical and Built Environment Priority is led by Casey Covington, Deputy Director of Metroplan. His team features members from the following groups:
Arkansas Department of Parks and Tourism, Arkansas Coalition for Obesity Prevention, Arkansas Highway and Transportation Department, Arkansas Department of Education, Arkansas Department of Health, Arkansas Foundation for Medical Care, Arkansas Municipal League, the City of Bentonville, the City of Centerton, the City of Hot Springs, the City of Little Rock, the City of Texarkana, Crafton Tull, Garver, Northwest Arkansas Planning Commission, Northeast Arkansas Regional Planning Commission, Rock Region Metro, Southeast Arkansas Regional Planning, U.S. Green Building Council, University of Arkansas Cooperative Extension, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, University of Central Arkansas, and West Central Arkansas Planning and Development District.
Want to find out how you can help? Contact us!
There's always something new happening with Healthy Active Arkansas and the initiatives related to this priority area.
As we seek to enjoy our beautiful state and get…
Learn MoreThe Arkansas Department of Health, Healthy Active Arkansas and the…
Learn MoreThe Arkansas Department of Health, and Healthy Active Arkansas (HAA)…
Learn MoreWe're here to help you succeed at implementing the initiatives of Healthy Active Arkansas. To do that, we've created some handy resources to download.