mēgan patton-lópez, sara hartstein, rocio muñoz · sara hartstein sara.hartstein@co.benton.or.us...

Mēgan Patton-López, Sara Hartstein, Rocio MuñozPark Planning Palooza IV

May 19, 2017

Why are public health staff involved in park design and master plans?

What is the public health approach to planning?

What is an inclusive community? And how can public health + park planning contribute to building an inclusive community?

What are local examples of this type of approach to park planning?

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Describe the community stakeholders that you worked with on your most recent project. What type(s) of strategies did you use to engage the stakeholders?

Were there stakeholders representing any of the following groups? Healthy Aging/ Older adults (65+)

Low income families with children

Individuals and/or families with physical disability/ special health needs

Immigrant communities

Non-Native English speaking community

American Indian/ First Nations

Families of color

Rural communities

Farmworkers and their families

Other

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Parks and other forms of open space can lead to multiple health and community benefits.

It is more than just availability of parks that is important to supporting parks for all …..

From the large-scale open space planning process to stakeholder involvement to the fine-grain design details, the decisions that are made regarding location, design and maintenance of parks and the level of involvement of community stakeholders can ultimately determine whether a park (open space) lives up to its potential for promoting active living equity (inclusive community).

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An inclusive community:

Does everything that it can to respect all its citizens, gives them full access to resources, and promotes equal treatment and opportunity.

Works to eliminate all forms of discrimination.

Engages all its citizens in decision-making processes that affect their lives.

Values diversity.

Responds quickly to racist and other discriminating incidents.

Source: The Community Toolbox http://ctb.ku.edu/en/table-of-contents/culture/cultural-competence/inclusive-

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Community Engaged Practice

Asset Based

Perspective

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A community is characterized by (Israel et al., 1994):

1. Membership – a sense of identity and belonging

2. Common symbol systems – language, rituals, ceremonies

3. Shared values and norms

4. Mutual influence

5. Shared needs and commitment to meeting them

6. Shared emotional connection – common history, experiences, and mutual support.

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Needs-based assessment Asset-based assessment

Based on a community need, a particular deficiency or problem that concerns the community

Based on community assets that can be mobilized for community improvement

Looks at what is wrong with the community and how to fix it

Focuses on positive aspects of community; every community member can potentially be a community asset

Examines needs, what is/what should be gaps, deficits and needed improvements

Leads community to look within for solutions and resources to solve problems

Leads community to seek outside assistance rather than in-house skills & change agents

Fosters a sense of independence, pride & possibilities

Discourages community members Community discovers & appreciates own resources

Focuses on communities weakness and inabilities, perceiving that only outsiders can fix them

Empowers residents to realize and use their abilities to build/transform community & self reliance

Needs-Based Approach vs. Asset-Based Approach

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Primary Building Blocks

1. Individual Assets

Skills and abilities of the Tunisonneighborhood residents

Manpower

Connections with others (employers, friends, church etc)

Ideas- host a resource fair

2. Organizational Assets

Tunison Neighborhood Association

Lincoln Parent Teacher Association

Secondary Building Blocks

1. Private and nonprofit organizations

Willamette Neighborhood Association

Oregon State University Students and Extension Services

Casa Latinos Unidos de Benton County

Organizacion de Latinas Unidas

2. Public institutions and services

Benton County Public Health

Corvallis Parks and Recreation Services

Corvallis Walk and Bike program

3. Physical resources

Park Land

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New Park Equipment and Features at Neighborhood Park

Increased programming at the park.

Greater variety of physical activity behaviors in park among children and adolescents.

Increased engagement of residents in the maintenance and care of the park (i.e. ownership).

Development of social relationships among neighbors.

The neighborhood association and nonprofits participating in the project report greater understanding of civic processes and continue to support advocacy in other areas.

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Population surrounding park is higher SES, predominately White.

County park which is becoming more of a City-Type Park.

Neighborhood developer donated 10 acres to existing park.

In recent past, limited communication between County Parks & Natural Areas department with larger neighborhood.

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Steering Committee formed with local experts to provide guidance

Stakeholder Interviews (n=12) Thoughts on North Albany Park and new Natural Area

Who else should be included in the planning process?

What are the best ways to communicate and engage with neighborhood and community residents?

Community Meetings in Park and Neighborhood (n= 5)

List-serv (n= 250)

Online survey (n= 400)

Park Intercept Survey (n=116)

Physical Activity Observation Training and Data Collection with Residents (24 observations times over 2 week period)

Crime Prevention through Environmental Design Evaluation & Report 20

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Positive Outcomes

Conceptual Plan for the Park & Natural Area reflects the needs of the community

Redeveloped and reinforced community trust with neighborhood

Built relationships and increased understanding among Benton County Public Health, Benton County Parks & Natural Areas, and Albany City Parks & Recreation Planted seeds for future collaboration in the project area.

Capacity building opportunity for community partners.

Strengthened relationships among neighbors - building networks

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Opportunities for Improvement

Time and manpower intensive process and still felt crunch.

Maintain regular communication between Public Health staff and Parks & Natural Area staff regarding open process with community.

Learning curve for Public Health staff as well as Parks & Natural Areas staff.

Language different for same concepts.

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Parks can provide a common space for relationship building and celebration of assets and culture. This can contribute to community wide efforts (at multiple levels) to build an inclusive community.

It is important to know the variety of groups in the community and provide culturally appropriate avenues to bring their voices to the planning, designing and implementation process.

Building an inclusive community is not an event that has a beginning and an end.

Sustain and continue to build relationships and connections within and between communities.

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Sara Hartsteinsara.hartstein@co.benton.or.us

Rocio Muñozrocio.munoz@co.benton.or.us

Mēgan Patton-Lópezpattonlm@mail.wou.edu

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