The Town of Cutler Bay has been awarded as the recipient of the Florida Department of Health (DOH) ‘2018 Healthy Weight Community Champion Award’ at the Town Council meeting on Wednesday, September 26, 2018. The Town was received by Ann- Karen Weller, DOH Director of the Office of Community Health and Planning, as one (1) out of eighty (80) communities within the State of Florida to be awarded with this prestigious recognition.
The DOH’s “Healthiest Weight Florida” program recognizes local government efforts to increase physical activity and improve nutrition within their communities. The DOH’s stringent criteria for community recognition include the determination of the following standards: (a). the municipality’s maintenance of a system of parks, (b). whether or not the municipality provides incentive programs to attract grocery stores to underserved neighborhoods and (c). if the municipality prioritizes personal safety in areas where residents can increase their physical activity.
Along with Town sponsored special events like the 12th Annual “Tour de Parks” bike ride that took place on February 10th at Lakes by the Bay Park, the Town continues to make the safety and welfare of its residents one of its top priorities. Promoting safety through the distribution of free bicycle helmets and encouraging residents to participate in outdoor activities like the annual bike ride are just a few ways that the Town demonstrates its commitment to offering residents family-oriented programs geared towards the development of a healthy and active community.
“For the third (3) year in a row, we are grateful to be awarded this 2018 Healthy Weight Community Champion honor for promoting active lifestyles and personal safety within our Town,” stated Rafael G. Casals, Town Manager. “We have a strong track record of implementing projects identified in our master plans, such as our award-winning Caribbean Boulevard Roadway Improvements Project that 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 actively improves its existing sidewalk network connectivity by implementing ADA ramps on all resurfacing and sidewalk improvement projects, and bicycle lanes on full roadway reconstruction projects while constantly repairing damaged sidewalks throughout the community.
“It should come as no surprise to residents that the Town is being recognized for achieving yet another great milestone! The Town has made it a goal to ensure that residents of all ages and abilities have the same opportunities to improve their overall health,” stated Mayor Peggy R. Bell. “We are honored to be recognized as one of the 2018 Healthy Weight Community Champions.”