The Town of Cutler Bay has been recognized by the Florida Department of Health (DOH) as a 2016 Healthy Weight Community Champion. The town was one of only 80 communities in the entire state to be so honored.
The DOH’s “Healthiest Weight Florida” program recognizes local government efforts to increase physical activity and improve nutrition within their communities. To achieve such recognition a community must meet certain standards, including the municipality’s maintenance of a system of parks, whether or not the municipality provides incentive programs to attract grocery stores to underserved neighborhoods, and if the municipality prioritizes personal safety in areas where residents can increase their physical activity.
Noteworthy has been the town’s sponsorship of special events like the recent 10th annual “Tour de Parks” bike ride that took place on Jan. 23 at Lakes by the Bay Park. Besides that popular event the town continues to make the safety and welfare of its residents one of its main priorities.
Distributing free bicycle helmets and encouraging residents to participate in outdoor activities like the annual bike ride are just a few ways that the Town of Cutler Bay offers its residents family-oriented programs geared toward the development of a healthy and active community, according to town manager Rafael G. Casals.
“We are proud of completing master plans and community assessments designed to promote active lifestyles and personal safety,” Casals said. “Furthermore, we have a strong track record of implementing projects identified in our master plans. For example, our award-winning Caribbean Boulevard project was identified in the town’s transportation master plans and it promotes active lifestyles by incorporating bike lanes, pedestrian safety features and continuous sidewalks.”
Other completed town master plans include the Bicycle & Pedestrian Master Plan, Parks Master Plan, Safe Routes to School Study, and Roadway & Sidewalk Assessment. The town has continued to improve its existing sidewalk network connectivity by including ADA ramps on all resurfacing and sidewalk improvement projects, and bicycle lanes on full roadway reconstruction projects. The Public Works Department constantly repairs damaged sidewalks throughout the community.
“The Town of Cutler Bay has made it a mission to ensure that people of all abilities have the opportunities to improve their overall health,” Mayor Peggy Bell said. “We are honored to be recognized as one of the 2016 Healthy Weight Community Champions.”
For information, visit the town’s website at www.cutlerbay-fl.gov or contact Janelle Marzouka, programs coordinator, Parks & Recreation Department, at 305-238-4166 or by email to jmarzouka@cutlerbay-fl.gov.
