The Safe Routes Partnership and Oregon Health Authority are releasing Connecting People to Parks: A Toolkit to Increase Safe and Equitable Access to Local Parks and Green Spaces. This toolkit includes step-by-step guidance through the Safe Routes to Parks framework to increase safe and equitable access to parks and green spaces. This toolkit was developed specifically for communities in Oregon, however, people from all over the country and backgrounds can benefit from the tools and guidance herein. It focuses on access to parks via active transportation as well as ensuring a high-quality, safe experience within the park itself.  As you work through this toolkit, you can expect to learn how to thoughtfully engage your community, assess barriers to safe and equitable park access, identify goals and take meaningful action steps, and consider how to sustain your ongoing Safe Routes to Parks efforts.

On May 20, join a free one-hour webinar to learn more about the new toolkit and hear from community partners for ideas on implementing Safe Routes to Parks in Oregon communities. May is also Arthritis Awareness Month, and this webinar will explore different ways to align Safe Routes to Parks efforts with physical activity programs like Walk With Ease. Come learn more about Safe Routes to Parks and future peer-learning opportunities in Oregon!

SPEAKERS:

• Allison Harris, Oregon State University Extension Service
• Amanda Parsons, Oregon Recreation and Park Association
• Becky Gilliam, Safe Routes Partnership
• Nicole Paulsen, Tualatin Hills Park and Recreation District