Get Active Orlando: changing the built environment to increase physical activity.

Area of Science:

• Urban planning and public health interventions.
• Community-based participatory research.
• Built environment and active living.

Background:

• The Get Active Orlando (GAO) partnership focused on downtown Orlando's Community Redevelopment Area, a diverse, low-income neighborhood with many seniors.
• The area was undergoing significant development, presenting an opportunity to integrate active living strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To incorporate active living considerations into Orlando's urban development plans.
• To promote physical activity and healthy lifestyles within the community.

Main Methods:

• Conducted a baseline assessment of streets, sidewalks, and bicycle lanes.
• Implemented a senior walking program, bicycle refurbishment/giveaway, and community cycling events.
• Launched a social-marketing campaign focused on simple lifestyle changes.

Main Results:

• Influenced the adoption of public policies supporting active living, including transportation and design guidelines.
• Established a Mayor's Advisory Council on Active Living, highlighting the initiative's importance.
• The physical environment in the Community Redevelopment Area is starting to reflect the new policy framework.

Conclusions:

• Baseline data provided a strong foundation for policy change.
• Cross-disciplinary collaboration (land use, transportation, public health, economic development) was key to policy success.
• Community engagement, particularly involving youth leaders, was crucial for program effectiveness.