TULSA, OK – [April 23, 2018] – The Pathways to Health Built Environment Alliance Group will host an
inaugural urban hike at Archer Park, 2831 East Archer Street, on Saturday, April 28 at 1:00 p.m. This
‘urban hike’ will be an approximately two mile walk around the neighborhood and will give participants
an opportunity to observe and track things that make the area comfortable or dangerous to walk.
“It’s important to think about the small things in a neighborhood that are encouraging or discouraging
residents to walk—this can have a huge impact on their ability to have an active lifestyle which can in
turn promote healthier outcomes,” said Luisa Krug, built environment alliance group facilitator and Tulsa
Health Department chronic disease epidemiologist.
Pathways to Health hopes to give residents and policymakers the chance to learn how making it safer to
walk, bike or use public spaces could improve quality of life.
“Through these urban hikes, we provide participants with information on the city infrastructure, design
of neighborhoods and access to transit,” said Mark Seibold, architect and city planner from Crafton-Tull.
“We explore these topics in real-time so everyone can gain an understanding of the common issues
faced by pedestrians, and will be more comfortable to advocate for changes that will make incremental
improvements in our built environment.”
All participants who complete a ‘walkability scavenger hunt’ card during this urban hike will be eligible
to win a gift card to a Kendall-Whittier business. Event organizers hope the success of this hike will lead
to more Tulsa neighborhoods being assessed for walkability.
“I am so excited that several organizations are leading this initiative,” said Juan Miret, director of
communications and community engagement, Growing Together. “Together, we can build a thriving
and stronger community.”
The Built Environment Alliance Group is one of four task force groups working to address the priorities
identified by the community in the 2017 Tulsa County Community Health Improvement Plan (CHIP). The
overall goal of the three-year plan is to improve the health and well-being of Tulsa County residents.
Most importantly, the CHIP addresses health equity issues and the social determinants of health: the
conditions in the environments in which people are born, live, learn, work, play and worship.
