In 2016, Arvada was awarded LiveWell Colorado's highest recognition: Elite Status for building a healthy community. This recognition was the result of the Healthy Places Initiative (HPI). HPI relied on the insights and actions of Arvada citizens. From neighborhood community meetings and festivals to survey and park redesign efforts, citizens made neighborhood engagement happen in Arvada. HPI accomplishments empower people to connect to each other and to the active places around them now and into the future.
What Does Healthy Places Bring to Arvada?
For Everyone
- Commitment to greater pedestrian access to everything: connections to schools, G Line, parks, other neighborhoods
- Easier access to neighborhood engagement services
- Accessibility to free or low cost programming: YMCA, Fit 2 Be KIds, low-cost Yoga, Southeast Arvada Youth Soccer (SAYS). Note: For information on Apex PRD scholarships which enable families in need to participate in Apex activities, visit Apexprd.org.
- Availability of community walks and community bike rides
- Fitness equipment in Arvada parks
- Ability to plan your daily walk route through our Park Loops and Neighborhood Routes maps
For Cyclists, Pedestrians, and Commuters
- Walk or bike to transit stations
- Way finding signs to guide cyclists and pedestrians on trails and in parks
- Improved trail connection Kipling Underpass; Terrace Park Trail connection; Homestead Park Trail Loop
- Easy access to maps that show loop distances and parks for walking/biking
- Ability to practice Rules of the Road on Bike Training Course
- Ride bike to Olde Town and find easy bike parking and a bike repair station
Healthy Places Accomplishments
From 2014 through 2016, the Healthy Place Initiative worked with communities in Arvada to establish neighborhood engagement, infrastructure and activity programs that will promote increased health and activity and therefore a greater quality of life for Arvadans for years to come. For a comprehensive summary of the Healthy Places Initiative accomplishments, download the PDF.
| Infrastructure | Completed | Example(s) |
| Bike Repair Station | 2016 |
|
| Bike Training Course | 2016 |  |
| Trail Completion | 2016 |
|
| Way-Finding Signs | 2015 |  |
| Bike Racks | 2014 |  |
| Bike Corrals | 2015 |  |
| Park Fitness Equipment | 2016 |  |
| Pedestrian Connection | 2016 |  |
| Park Programming | Ongoing |  |
Planning for a Healthy Future
The City has adopted healthy eating and active living (HEAL) policies that demonstrate commitment to the continued health and well-being of Arvadans. The following are a few of the policies adopted by Arvada.
- City-wide Comprehensive Plan updated to include healthy eating and active living language.
- Community agriculture supported on City-owned properties throughout the community.
- Parks and Open Space Master Plan updated with emphasis on wellness, active transportation, and neighborhood park activation
- Way-finding signage, low stress networks and expanded bike programming for women and low-income populations integrated into the Bike Master Plan update that will be adopted in 2017.
Statement from HPI Coordinator Rose Chavez
I am proud to have been Arvada's Healthy Places Coordinator and to have been involved in putting this grant funding to work, creating so many beneficial programs for the community. I am confident that the community will sustain and enhance these programs moving forward. Over the last three years dozens of stakeholders in the community stepped forward to carry on the work of the Healthy Places Initiative and I know there are great things to come for Arvada.
Contact
City Manager's Office: 720-898-7500
Community Partners
City of Arvada, Arvada City Council, Arvada Sustainability Advisory Committee, Transportation Advisory Committee, Arvada Planning Commission, Arvada Urban Renewal Authority Board, Arvada Parks Advisory Committee, Jefferson County Health Department, Denver Urban Gardens, Apex Park and Recreation District, Bike Colorado, Bike Jefferson County, Carin Clinic, Red Rocks Community College, Arvada YMCA, Jefferson County Public Schools, Project Prepare, Arvada Gardeners, Jefferson County Head Start, Living Water Spiritual Community, Mile High Vineyard Church, Living Light of Peace Mennonite Church, Olde Town Shanti Home Yoga Studio, CDOT – Safe Routes to School, Jefferson County Aging Well Project, Colorado Parks and Recreation Association, Walk2Connect, Fit2BeKids, Sustain Arvada Committee, Arvada Bicycle Advisory Committee, Last Mile Transportation Advisory Committee and countless passionately engaged Arvada Residents.
