Agenda - Parks and Recreation Commission - 07/08/2010

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• CASE # 2 DISCUSS STATEWIDE HEALTH IMPACT PROGRAM OPPORTUNITY WITH ANOKA COUNTY By: Mark Riverblood, Parks Supervisor Background: The purpose of this case is to bring forth awareness of discussions being held with Anoka County Community Health and Environmental Services about involvement in the Statewide Health Improvement Program .(SHIP). Anoka County SHIP is a part of Minnesota's SHIP, an integral part of a 2008 legislative health reform law, which strives to help residents lead longer, healthier lives by preventing the chronic disease risk factors of poor nutrition and physical inactivity. SHIP `interventions' seek to create sustainable, systemic changes in schools, worksites, communities, and healthcare organizations that make it easier for Anoka County residents to incorporate healthy behaviors into their daily lives. Funds are used to implement policies and practices that create active communities by increasing opportunities for non-motorized transportation (walking and biking) and access to community recreation facilities. Others involved in the program and receiving funds include the cities of: Blaine, Coon Rapids, Fridley, and Anoka County Parks and Recreation • Observations: Ramsey has along history of involving residents in neighborhood park development planning, and involvement in SHIP may further increase communication between the City, residents, and the County. By ascertaining perceived barriers to physical activity, the City would be provided with the opportunity to get feedback about current programs and existing plans and potentially make favorable revisions to these programs based upon community input. This information is valuable short and long term -- for business development and community planning: Additionally, the benefit of involvement in SHIP is that the City will have access to funds to engage the community and implement these programs without utilizing General Fund dollars. Components of SHIP fimding may include the elements of planning, education, evaluation, promotion, signage and maps. For purposes of thinking about program development, the City of Ramsey may have access to approximately $50,000, with additional monies possible. in a future year(s). The present funding cycle would require that any programs be completed before July 1, of 2011. (As a precursor to the list below, the Commission is reminded that heavy SHIP emphasis is placed on education and promotion because those serve as the conduit to community knowledge about city amenities, and the intention that healthy activities then become a habit of active living.) Additional information is available at htto'//www partnershioforbetterhealthanokacounty.com/ •