Community-Engaged Approach for Health Equity: Enhancing an Active Environment in Michigan

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Urban Planning
• Community Engagement

Background:

• Physical activity decreased globally during the COVID-19 pandemic.
• Revitalizing physical activity is crucial for public health post-pandemic.
• Academic-community partnerships can drive public health initiatives.

Purpose of the Study:

• To apply a community-based participatory approach for walkability audits.
• To evaluate the implementation and effectiveness of an alley activation intervention.
• To promote physical activity and community well-being.

Main Methods:

• Community-based participatory approach involving stakeholders and residents.
• Environmental scans and walkability audits in Hamtramck, Michigan.
• Alley activation implementation and evaluation using surveys and traffic speed studies.

Main Results:

• 72 residents and business owners participated in alley activation.
• 54 surveys indicated positive feedback on the project.
• Vehicle speeds reduced from 28.3 MPH to 23 MPH, with fewer conflicts.
• 1,669 residents experienced improved non-motorized connectivity.

Conclusions:

• The alley activation project successfully improved walkability and safety.
• Community-engaged, bottom-up approaches can create effective urban spaces.
• This project serves as a model for future place-making strategies to enhance urban walkability.