Perhaps kids can walk to school again

We had our first Statewide Health Improvement Program wellness group meeting May 9 and I’m happy to report we are on solid footing with your help. The group was brought up to speed on the three areas of focus for the program: Safe Routes To School, Healthy School Food and Active Transportation within Two Harbors.

We will be hosting our first Two Harbors Walkability Assessment Workshop 5-7:30 p.m. Wednesday in the Split Rock Room at the Lake County Human Services Building across from the courthouse. The workshop will provide an opportunity for interested community members to learn about creating a more walkable community. 

During the workshop, attendees will take a short walk and assess together the city’s walking environment. We will then report on the experience and identify opportunities that could improve walkability in Two Harbors. A healthy meal will be provided right off the bat.

It should be a fun night. Please encourage others to take part. We want a cross-section of the community out walking and thinking active transportation throughout Two Harbors. 

Last week we were notified that our Safe Routes To School grant application was successful. Planning will begin in the fall.

We also need to complete the SHIP Healthy School Index. The index assessment results will be used to develop the school and district Wellness Committee Action Plan, which can help drive policy and environmental changes.

The index enables schools to assess the school health environment, including strengths and weaknesses of health promotion policies and programs.

It also allows schools to develop an action plan for improving student and employee health and engages teachers, parents, students and community in creating a healthier school environment by promoting health-enhancing policies and practices

This is a self-assessment and planning tool not an evaluation tool or a way to kick anyone in the shins.

There is no passing grade. It’s a way to understand our schools, not compare them with others.

There are a lot of avenues ahead of us in making our Two Harbors a more active, healthy and livable community. We can make a difference in making Two Harbors the “City of Wellness… with Healthy Schools to Boot.”

Contact Johnson at forrest.johnson@co.lake.mn.us or (218) 834-8520.

Tags: opinion, editorials, health, education