Atlanta BeltLine Promotes Health

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Michelle Marcus
COA- CQGRD
Contact Michelle Marcus
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Summaries

Summary Sentence:

Health benefits of BeltLine lead to new funding

Full Summary:

Citing the potential health benefits of the Atlanta BeltLine project, Sarah and Jim Kennedy/PATH Foundation and Kaiser Permanente are each donating $2.5 million to the BeltLine Partnership to build 2.5 miles of trail. BeltLine health impacts were originally identified in the Health Impact Assessment conducted by the Center for Quality Growth and Regional Development.

More than 100,000 people live within half a mile of the Atlanta BeltLine, which connects 45 of the city's neighborhoods. According to a 2007 Health Impact Assessment conducted by the Center for Quality Growth and Regional Development, a research center at the Georgia Institute of Technology, the Atlanta BeltLine's 1,300 acres of parks, 33 miles of trails, $45 million in streetscape and intersection improvements, and the expansion of transit creates the opportunity for vulnerable populations to become physically active. The redevelopment will give 11,000 residents direct access for the first time to a park, and it will connect an additional 127,000 people to transit. As a result, it will improve access to employment opportunities, services, healthy foods, and recreational facilities.

Jim Kennedy, who sits on the board of the PATH Foundation, and Kaiser Permanente recognized the opportunity to make a tangible commitment to the long-term health of the community. "PATH knows what profound impacts these trails have on physical activity and we are excited to connect with Kaiser to encourage healthy lifestyles through our joint investments," said Mr. Kennedy.

"One of Kaiser Permanente's core values is to improve the health of the community, as well as the health of our members," said Kaiser Permanente Georgia President, Peter Andruszkiewicz. "We are pleased to demonstrate our commitment to this in Atlanta by supporting the Atlanta BeltLine during our anniversary year."

"The Atlanta BeltLine will provide access to community and health services in areas that have been previously underserved and will increase economic opportunities, enabling our citizens to lead healthier lives," said Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed. "The joint commitment by the Kennedys/PATH Foundation and Kaiser Permanente demonstrates the power of the public and private sectors working together to serve the community."

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CQGRD - Center for Quality Growth and Regional Development

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Status
  • Created By: Michelle Marcus
  • Workflow Status: Published
  • Created On: Sep 23, 2010 - 8:00pm
  • Last Updated: Oct 7, 2016 - 11:06pm