Jonesboro Health Accelerator Plan

In conjunction with its ongoing work on the Jonesboro Parks and Recreation Master Plan, Halff was asked by the City of Jonesboro to prepare a companion “health accelerator” plan to assist the City in building a parks and recreation system renowned for being inclusive for all.

A grant from the U.S. Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) funded this innovative initiative that seeks to enhance the community’s Social Determinants of Health (SDOH) by improving accessibility and broadening the availability of inclusive recreational facilities within the municipal parks system.

Initial analyses will evaluate the current accessibility of the park system and the variety of inclusive recreational amenities available. Additionally, a walkshed assessment will review physical conditions and suggest improvements for pedestrian access and mobility device access to municipal parks from surrounding residential areas.

Halff conducted targeted efforts to gather preferences, suggestions and feedback on park accessibility and inclusive recreational opportunities from people with disabilities, as well as their caregivers and advocates. This targeted approach offered insights into the needs and ideas of Jonesboro’s vulnerable populations.

The finalized plan will then be incorporated into the Jonesboro Parks and Recreation Master Plan.

Won Award:
2024 — APA Arkansas Plan of the Year (communities of 30,000 or more)