Genesee Valley Greenway Trail Health Impact Assessment
"We at Common Ground Health ... hope that health impact assessments become a standard approach for policy makers as we seek to make sure that we think about how it is that we embrace health in all policies," said Wade Norwood, CEO of Common Ground Health.
“We recognize that expanding bicycle and pedestrian networks can improve public health by encouraging what we call active lifestyles: how you get where you are going with your own people power, " said James Stack, executive director of the Genesee Transportation Council.
"There is no question that active lifestyles strengthen the mind, muscles, heart and lungs, and state parks provide ample opportunity to run, walk, hike, swim, launch a canoe or kayak and ride a bike," said Richard Parker, Genesee regional director for New York State Parks.
Monroe County and Monroe County Executive Cheryl Dinolfo are in support of the recommendations from the HIA, said Tim Frelier, director of transportation, Monroe County. The county has already committed resources to improving crosswalks along the Greenway in Monroe County, he said.
Jennifer Rodriguez, health director for Livingston County Department of Health, stressed the role that the Greenway can play in promoting good mental health. "Getting out and getting physical activity" are as important for our minds as they are for our physical health, she said.
Joan Schumaker, executive director of the Friends of the Genesee Valley Greenway, credited partnerships with the state and nonproifts like the Friends of the Genesee Valley Greenway and other organization for preserving this public green space.
