People tend to move more when they easily access safe places to walk, run, roll, and play. Increasing physical activity throughout Chatham County is the primary aim of Healthy Savannah’s physical activity work.
Using the CDC-inspired Active People, Healthy Savannah initiative, Healthy Savannah backs complete streets ordinances and simplified zoning rules to mend neighborhoods divided by car-centric planning and policies. We also:
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Supported the construction of a 30-mile urban loop around the City of Savannah, known as Tide to Town. Phase one has been completed.
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Conducted walking audits in key communities to glean important perspectives and data about neighborhood walkability and residents’ wants and needs.
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Organized walking school buses, which help kids walk to school in groups with adult volunteers.
Tide to Town
Healthy Walks
Equitable Parks
Walking School Buses
Biking & Pedestrian Planning
Community Assessment of Local Schools
Community Impact
New Zoning Ordinance Paves Way for a Healthier Community in Savannah
The City of Savannah Zoning Ordinance was developed in 1960 and remained stagnant as the city grew and developed. The ordinance continued to stall and delay the progress needed to meet the demands of Savannah’s growing neighborhoods. The updated zoning ordinance (NewZO) greatly improves the accessibility of the ordinance and makes key improvements such as the creation of connected street networks that support walking, biking, and access to bus routes. NewZO promotes mixed use to allow small-scale development to support neighborhood stability.
Healthy Walks Encourage Chatham County Residents to Get Up and Active
1 in 4 adults and 1 in 5 high school students fully meet physical activity guidelines for aerobic and muscle-strengthening activities. Barriers such as lack of access to safe walking routes or public parks limit recreation opportunities for the community, specifically in low-wealth neighborhoods.
The Healthy Savannah team is introducing the community to local trails and pathways around Chatham County through Facebook Live. Using their weekly 2-mile walks, Healthy Savannah encourages people to explore the trails with them or on their own.
Tide to Town Connects Communities in Chatham County
Residents in Savannah, Georgia struggle to meet recommended physical activity guidelines. The lack of safe and accessible spaces to engage in outdoor physical activities presents a significant obstacle. Tide to Town, a planned 30-mile network of walking and biking trails, will provide protected spaces for physical activity and serve an important role in transportation. The early phases of Tide to Town are complete and open to the public. Growing support from the City of Savannah and the people will help secure the project’s future.
News
Healthy Savannah names new physical activity program manager
Special to the Effingham Herald SAVANNAH — Healthy Savannah announces that Devin Frails has joined the public/private coalition as its physical activity program manager. Frails’ duties will include leading and supporting a culture of health in
Healthy Savannah Announces New Physical Activity Program Manager
October 30, 2024 Devin Frails joins Healthy Savannah’s and the YMCA of Coastal Georgia’s Racial and Ethnic Approaches to Community Health (REACH) Team (Savannah, Ga.) Healthy Savannah is pleased to announce that Devin Frails has joined
Health, Wellness and Fitness in Savannah
Paris, France, will be buzzing with Olympic athletes this summer, but don’t worry about missing your shot at the podium. Here in Savannah, there are tons of ways to get active, embrace your inner champion, and
Next phase of Tide to Town breaks ground, will connect trails from Daffin Park to Lake Mayer
July 2, 2024—It was early February when leaders from Healthy Savannah and Bike Walk Savannah took to Savannah City Hall to celebrate approval of a construction contract for Tide to Town’s next phase. Monday those leaders gathered again on
July 4 – Tide to Town and City of Savannah Break Ground on Final Phase of Truman Linear Park Trail
July 4, 2024 – Friends of Tide to Town and the City of Savannah held groundbreaking ceremonies for the final leg of the Truman Linear Park Trail on Monday, July 1. The event took place at
Community joins Healthy Savannah to celebrate four years of Healthy Walks
On Tuesday, March 26, the public was invited to meet up with members of Healthy Savannah, the YMCA of Coastal Georgia and Friends of Tide to Town at 7:30 a.m. in the parking area at Scarborough
Healthy Savannah celebrates 4 years of ‘Healthy Walks’
Healthy Savannah leaders and Savannahians alike gathered for the 4th anniversary of “Healthy Walks” on Tuesday. The two-mile walk began during the COVID-19 pandemic as a need for people to go outdoors and participate in safe
Community Invited to Celebrate Healthy Savannah’s Four Years of Healthy Walks on March 26
March 18, 2024 – A grass-roots initiative that started as a pandemic solution for people to escape isolation has become a popular early morning routine for many Savannahians. Every Tuesday at 7:30 a.m., Healthy Savannah’s Paula Kreissler
March 18 – Community Invited to Celebrate Healthy Savannah’s Four Years of Healthy Walks on March 26
March 18, 2024 – A grass-roots initiative that started as a pandemic solution for people to escape isolation has become a popular early morning routine for many Savannahians. Every Tuesday at 7:30 a.m., Healthy Savannah’s Paula