B2.02 - Oral Session: Integrating Community Partnerships into Policymaking: An Innovative Model for Creating Multifunctional and Equitable Green Spaces

Brief Abstract Summary: The audience will learn how to develop innovative models in which community organizations can partner with county public health departments and provide guidance and expertise to local governments on effectively advocating for equitable health policy impacts. We will discuss the various steps that resulted in an inclusive, equitable and data-driven green space design plan presented to the city council. Based on analysis of local health data, input from senior groups, youth sports groups, the watershed council, and other community groups, the public health department was able to provide expertise and guidelines on the design and amenities that would provide the greatest health benefit for that community. Attendees will gain insight into how local governments make health policy decisions and the significant impact they have on the health of the communities they serve.

Detailed abstract description: Important health policy decisions in communities across the country are made each year at the local government level. Many of these decisions are made in the absence of input from local public health departments or from experts and stakeholders out in the community. Ultimately, the role of local government is to make decisions to improve the health of the community members in the most equitable way. Often, decisions around green space design and park development are made by local officials based on personal agendas or on the most vocal groups advocating for specific designs or amenities. Local public health departments as well as community organizations can be valuable sources of information that can help local government best understand the health needs of their community. The focus of this project was to develop an innovative model in which community organizations can partner with county public health departments and provide guidance and expertise to local governments on how to design multifunctional green spaces and parks. This case study was conducted throughout 2024 and will discuss the various steps that resulted in an inclusive, equitable and data-driven green space design plan presented to the city council. Based on analysis of local health data, input from senior groups, youth sports groups, the watershed council, and other community groups, the public health department was able to provide expertise and guidelines on the design and amenities that would provide the greatest health benefit for that community. The developed framework demonstrated that community groups can best advocate for themselves by creating local partnerships with others served by parks and green spaces and collaboratively develop plans that can create multifunctional spaces that serve a greater number of individuals in the community. This innovative model proved to be an effective tool in advocating to advance health equity and improve public health outcomes by providing local government a guide on how to optimize the green spaces and parks in their communities. The results of this project can serve as an important case study for how community partnerships with local public health departments and local city government can have a significant influence on policy development and implementation. Rather than advocate alone, community groups and local public health departments can collaboratively develop partnerships that can better drive systemic change through stronger and more effective advocacy and policy action.