Briefly describe the Bunkie project:
CPEX is partnering with the Louisiana Department of Health’s Well Ahead Program, Move Bunkie Forward, and the City of Bunkie to develop and implement a Complete Streets Action Plan focused on increasing opportunities for Bunkie residents to safely walk, bike, and enjoy outdoor activities throughout their town.
What is the goal of this project?
The goal is to engage residents in developing their own ideas and priorities for healthy community design in Bunkie that will shape the built environment in ways that support the health of residents. This includes things like sidewalks, trails, and bike lanes as well as pocket parks and other enhancements that encourage physical activity and social interaction – both of which are critical to good health.
Why is this project so important?
Louisiana’s people suffer from some of the poorest health and deepest health disparities in the nation. The places we live have a tremendous impact on our health – far greater than what happens within healthcare settings such as hospitals or doctors’ offices. We have a huge opportunity to improve health in Louisiana by creating neighborhoods and communities that provide safe water, air, and infrastructure and are designed to make healthy behaviors such as getting regular exercise and eating nutritious foods easier.
What has been your favorite part of project so far?
Working with the Mayor and residents of Bunkie has been wonderful. There is so much camaraderie and community spirit in this small town, and their desire to work together to make Bunkie a place where all residents can be as healthy as possible is inspiring.
What have you learned while working on this project?
The focus on social cohesion has also been interesting – we’ve learned more about how important social interaction and social networks are to human health, and it has been fun to think about how we can design public spaces that encourage those connections.