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Presentation By Renee Podolsky, Community Health Director, Florida Department Of Health Broward County, Of The Healthy Weight Community Champion 2018 Award To The City Of Hollywood.
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Staff Recommends: Presentation of Award
Explanation:
Florida’s county and municipal governments play an important role in decreasing the prevalence of unhealthy weight in their jurisdictions. Local governments can implement a variety of policies that have been shown to increase physical activity levels and improve nutrition. These “best practice” policies are reflected in the Healthy Weight Community Champion Recognition Program.
Many jurisdictions are making great progress in policy and environmental change. To celebrate these efforts, all local governments in Florida were invited to submit descriptions of their policies and programs for the 2018 recognition program.
Earlier this year the Department of Parks, Recreation and Cultural Arts with the assistance of Public Works, Planning, and Legal Departments compiled information and submitted an application to become a Department of Health’s Healthy Weight Community Champion.
For the 2018 cycle, 37 Community Champions were recognized for their effort. The City of Hollywood was recognized for:
The City has received several Complete Street grants which incorporate median islands, larger walkways and more pedestrian and bike friendly walkways in several projects throughout the City.
The City of Hollywood maintains over 6.5 miles of walking trails. As part of the City’s commitment to continually improve resident’s lives. There is an online map of each location with the distance and tips on safe and efficient walking.
The City is committed to providing a healthy environment for its residents as well as its employees through resources like walking programs, senior programs, exercise equipment at parks (lifecycle exercise stations) and weight/workout rooms at community centers. The City also provides classes geared towards seniors in the community. These classes promote activity and allow residents to socialize.
The City provided a vacant lot to the Highland Gardens community for its community garden. The temporary garden sits on land that is set aside for future development activity. The community garden has received wide support from the community, as testified to during a recent City Commission meeting.
Another program the City has is through the Kay Gaither Community Center. This program allows neighborhood children to actively participate in growing fresh produce and provides a fun and hands-on way to learn science. The community center is providing funding for this program through the Children’s Services Council.
Congratulations to the 2018 Community Champions for their outstanding work!
Recommended for inclusion on the agenda by:
Dr. Wazir Ishmael, City Manager
Gus Zambrano, Assistant City Manager/Sustainable Development
David Vazquez, Interim Director, Park, Recreation and Cultural Arts