WS-A - WORK STUDY - WELLNESS DISTRICT

Home Browse Search

ATTACHMENT At the start of the Initiative in 2009, a rapid Health Impact Assessment was undertaken to examine the relationship between health and the built environment in existing South Lincoln homes and to set a baseline for the public housing residents. All options for the Master Plan were continuously evaluated using the Healthy Development Measurement Tool, resulting in a plan that meets the priority issues of the residents. Stakeholder engagement has been a pivotal part of the process. Related activities have included stakeholder interviews, a pedestrian audit, youth visioning sessions, and outreach to targeted populations. Over 140 community meetings and group interviews were held to discuss the master plan. A 30- member steering committee, with a majority comprising of South Lincoln residents, was also created to oversee the process.14 The engagement activities identified a number of community needs, including community gardens, a central plaza, and connective parks. 2.3 Proiect Implementation and Outcomes to Date Phase I of the redevelopment was completed in 2012. It is a 100 -unit multi - family building, called Tapiz apartments. Tapiz is a LEED certified building constructed on a remediated brownfield site, featuring rooftop solar panels, community gardens, green heating and cooling systems, graywater recycling, and green infrastructure for stormwater management." The site also houses the Youth Culinary Academy, which offers job training for youth. Phase II is a brightly colored four story multi - family building with a landscaped courtyard, common meeting room spaces and a children's play area. Detached from the main building are a few townhouse units. Phase III is the largest single housing development of the project, with a sizeable community garden and extensive green space. Each phase of development has been accompanied by an art project. Phase I has an eight -story mural on the exterior side of the building, Phase II has a large flower sculpture and Phase III has an interactive indoor staircase." Phase IV is set to be finished in October 2014 and Phase V will break ground fall 2014 to be finished early 2015.17 Phase IX is expected to be finished in 2018. Monitoring and tracking of projects against the baseline assessment has already shown positive trends in several key community health areas. The total crime rate has dropped from 246 incidents per 1000 people in 2005, to 157 in 2011. The average transit commute time has also dropped from 24 minutes in 2010, to 20 minutes in 2012.18 The percent of residents with 1h -mile access to open space and nature increased from 26% to 32% and the number of healthy food outlets within 1/2 mile increased from 0 to 1.19 Other outcomes of the development are improved mobility, supported by neighborhood traffic calming, new bike lanes, bicycle share system, and a free shuttle buses to the Denver Health Medical Center. The development has also created a safer, more attractive public realm; with building murals and public art that celebrate the neighborhood's cultural diversity, as well as public plazas and community gardens. New programming to support health outcomes has also been created, including intermittent diabetes and health checkups and appointment of a Healthy Living Coordinator to organize walking groups, health classes and other services. The Denver Housing Association (DHA) has also partnered with the DU Bridge Program to provide school opportunities for youth in the Mariposa community to increase levels of high school completion and enrollment in trade -based education and initiated a scholarship program with La Alma Recreation Center to offer scholarships to boost participation. The of X Practice WS -A -49