North Country Health Board’s
Active Living Plan
(Physical Activity in Communities Intervention)
For Beltrami, Clearwater, Hubbard, and Lake of the Woods Counties
July 2010
Table of Contents
Acknowledgements……………………………………………………………………………………………………………… i
Introduction…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 1
What is Active Living?................................................................................................................ 1
Approach...………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 1
Purpose of the Plan.…………………………………………………………………………………………………… 2
Document Contents..…………………………………………………………………………………………………. 2
Community Assessment………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 3
Beltrami County………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 3
Active Living Context………………………………………………………………………………………….. 3
Key Findings……………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 5
Hubbard County………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 6
Active Living Context………………………………………………………………………………………….. 6
Key Findings……………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 8
Clearwater County……….………………….………………………………………………………………………… 9
Active Living Context………………………………………………………………………………………….. 9
Key Findings……………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 11
Lake of the Woods County…………………………………………………………………………………………. 12
Active Living Context………………………………………………………………………………………….. 12
Key Findings……………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 13
Active Living Plan…………………………………….……………………….……….…………………………………………. 14
Active Living Vision …………………………………………………………………………………………………….14
Goals…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 14
Objectives and Strategies…………………………………………………………………………………………… 14
Implementation Approach……………………………………………………………………………………………………. 17
Early Implementation………………………………………………………………………………………………… 17
One to Five Year Implementation …..…………………………………………………………………………. 18
Appendix………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 20
Acknowledgements
This project could not have been possible without the support of the Minnesota Department of
Health (MDH), which is leading the Statewide Health Improvement Program (SHIP). 39 grants
were awarded to Minnesota communities to help lower the number of Minnesotans who use
tobacco or who are obese or overweight.
The North Country Community Health Board is one of the recipients of SHIP funding and is
overseeing efforts in Beltrami, Clearwater, Hubbard, and Lake of the Woods Counties. Raeann
Mayer is the SHIP Coordinator for the North Country Health Board and oversees each
intervention.
A Community Leadership Team (CLT) was created to help lead the SHIP process. The following
is the membership of the CLT from each County:
Beltrami
 Linda Yourczek
 Lori Jensen
 Deb Dilley
 Susanne Rabel
 Noreen Reding
 Matthew Dyrdahl (All Counties)
 Warren Larson
Clearwater County
 Bonnie Engen
 Donna Schroeder
 Curt Nyegaard
 Gwen LaVine
 Allen Paulson
 Duane Hayes
 Connie Cox (Also representing
Hubbard County)
Hubbard County
 Chris Broeker
 MariJo Lohmeier
 Leah Walters
Lake of the Woods County
 Michelle Brown
 Pattie Davidson
 Ken Moorman
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i
Introduction
In response to increasing rates of chronic disease and rising health care costs, legislation called
for a creation of plan to fund and implement comprehensive statewide health improvement. The
plan, which was developed in consultation with State Community Health Services Advisory
Committee and Minnesota Department of Health Executive Office, addresses risk factors for
preventable illness and death in the U.S., including tobacco use, physical inactivity, and poor
nutrition. The Statewide Health Improvement Program (SHIP) intends to reduce the prevalence
of obesity and tobacco use in Minnesota through policy systems and environmental changes.
The North Country Health Board is overseeing SHIP efforts for Beltrami, Clearwater, Hubbard,
and Lake of the Woods Counties. Per SHIP guidelines, interventions were selected in four
settings:
 Community
 Worksites
 Schools
 Healthcare
The Headwaters Regional Development Commission
partnered with the North Country Health Board and the
Community Leadership Team (CLT) to develop a plan
and begin implementation on SHIP Intervention #C-PA-C1: Implement policies and practices
that create active communities by increasing opportunities for non-motorized transportation
(walking and biking) and access to community recreation facilities.
What is Active Living?
“Active Living is a comprehensive approach to incorporating physical activity into daily
routines.” An important focus of active living is environmental and policy change. The HRDC
approaches Active Living work utilizing the Community Action Model developed by Active
Living by Design (www.activelivingbydesign.com). This model includes the 5 “P” approach to
active living:
 Preparation
 Promotion
 Programs
 Policy
 Physical Projects
Approach
The HRDC used the strategic planning model to complete a plan for active living in each of the
four North Country Health Board Counties. The plan includes a strategic vision for active living,
including specific objectives and strategies. It is also apparent that the goal of SHIP is to make
significant measureable progress on changing peoples‟ behaviors in a relatively short amount of
Active Living in the North Country
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time. With that goal in mind, the approach will be to implement high priority strategies that have
strong support from the CLT and the local leadership teams.
Purpose of the Plan
The purpose of this plan is to articulate a strategic vision for active living over the next one to
five years. Active living is a fundamental change in the way transportation and health has been
traditionally considered, and provides a unique opportunity for new partnerships. This plan does
not represent the end of our active living efforts, it represents the beginning. Multiple agencies,
including the HRDC, Counties, Cities, medical facilities, and schools should be able to buy-into
this plan and work towards successful implementation.
Document Contents
The remainder of this document consists of three sections. The first section, Community
Assessment, provides context for active living in the form of a SWOT Analysis (strengths,
weaknesses, opportunities, and threats). The next section, the Action Plan, provides the Vision,
Goals, Objectives, and Strategies for active living in the region. Finally, the Implementation
Approach outlines how communities can use this plan to start to get traction on the active living
action plan.
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Community Assessment
The community assessment focuses largely on the four County Seats (Bemidji, Park Rapids,
Bagley, and Baudette), although the concepts discussed may also be incorporated into planning
for other communities in the region. The context for active living is different throughout the
region, with each community approaching active living a little differently because of their unique
abilities, priorities, funding opportunities, and population needs. While the primary focus of
SHIP is policy and environmental change, this document also addresses issues such as education
and developing partnerships that are critical to successful implementation.
Beltrami County
Active Living Context
Bemidji is a regional center with a wide range of amenities for residents and visitors, including a
growing parks and trails system, Lake Bemidji State Park, Bemidji State University, excellent
health care, and many shopping opportunities.
The Bemidji Area is currently involved in a robust five year active living initiative funded via
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota. A year-long planning process was completed in
September 2009 to develop partnerships, engage key community stake holders, create an Active
Living Bemidji vision, and evaluate the overall climate for active living in the Bemidji Area.
Bemidji is now in the first of four years of implementation and is aggressively looking at policy
change through the revision of our local land use and transportation plans.
Strengths
 Robust Active Living Project in the Bemidji
Area.
 Infrastructure – Bemidji is home to a wide
variety of parks and trails.
 Facilities – Bemidji has numerous facilities
available for recreation and physical
activity (i.e. Outdoor Programming Center,
Gillett Recreation Fitness Center,
Community Education, etc.).
 A solid and continuously increasing
awareness of the importance of “wellness”
(i.e. multiple wellness challenges, blogging,
5k walk/runs, etc.).
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Weaknesses
 Connectivity – There is a lack of safe and accessible connections to and between
destinations in the city.
 Financial – Cost associated with recreational opportunities in the Bemidji Area is a
barrier for many individuals and families.
 Less focus on active living outside of the Bemidji Area.
 Winter – a real or sometimes perceived barrier for an active lifestyle.
Opportunities
Current Active Living Project
There is an opportunity to make great strides in the Bemidji Area
(City of Bemidji, Bemidji Township, and Northern Township).
Active Living Bemidji still has three years left of implementation
and will actively pursue a wide variety of innovative strategies
(potentially including a Complete Streets policy, updating zoning
and subdivision standards, mapping, wayfinding, and several
programs and promotions). Developing long term policy in the
areas of transportation and land use to support active living
principles is a major part of the work program in the first year of
implementation.
Bemidji as a Leader in Active Living
There is a great opportunity for communities in the region to learn from Bemidji and other
communities in the state that have already wrestled with active living issues. There is an
opportunity for cities, such as Blackduck in Beltrami County, to implement strategies that have
proven successful in Bemidji.
Political Support
There is an opportunity to educate and inform elected officials about the importance of active
living in Beltrami County. A resolution of support could be adopted by the City of Bemidji, City
of Blackduck, Beltrami County, and other communities to indicate support for active living.
Way-Finding System
Multiple local planning efforts have highlighted the need for a sophisticated way-finding system
for the City of Bemidji. The purpose of wayfinding is to provide navigational cues that direct
people to destinations. At least part of this system should be oriented towards pedestrians and/or
bicyclists. Bemidji has a variety of organizations interested in, and working towards,
implementing the wayfinding system.
Blackduck Youth Center
There is currently an ongoing effort in the City of Blackduck to construct a youth center (either a
new location or making use of an existing building). While the completion of this project is a
huge opportunity in itself, the youth center could be more appealing if it has good access for
bicycles. The youth center could include bicycle racks to make it convenient for youth to bicycle
to and from the facility.
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Threats
Lack of Connections
The Active Living Bemidji Partnership identified a lack of safe and convenient connections as
the biggest challenge for the Bemidji Area. This is a common theme for pedestrian and bicycle
facilities and is a challenge in all Beltrami County communities. The focus is on connections
and routes to schools, places of employment, residential areas, and other destinations.
Narrow Focus
The focus of Active Living Bemidji is fairly narrow when compared to the size of Beltrami
County. While the efforts in Bemidji are great, they do not cover all of Beltrami County.
Culture of Inactivity
There are also challenges when trying to change people‟s mindsets about bicycling and walking
given the over-reliance on the car and a variety of other factors that prevent people from being
active.
Key Findings
 Bemidji is making real progress on a robust active living initiative, but efforts could be
expanded throughout the County.
 Bemidji can serve as an example for the rest of the region.
 One of the key considerations for active living is providing safe and convenient
connections to destinations.
 Beltrami County has a wide variety of excellent parks, trails, and natural features.
 Helping people fundamentally change the way they think about health, wellness, and
physical activity is a key to success in active living.
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Hubbard County
Active Living Context
Hubbard County is home to beautiful parks, trails, and natural features, including the Headwaters
of the Mississippi River in Itasca State Park. Park Rapids is also the second biggest community
in the region and is a popular vacation destination. There is a lot of potential in Park Rapids for
active living because of strong community organizations (such as Healthy Park Rapids 2020 and
Progress Park Rapids) that understand the importance of health, wellness, and the need for a
truly connected community.
Strengths
 Planning Documents
 City of Park Rapids Parks and Trails Plan – This
plan outlines a vision for parks and trails over the
next 15 years in Park Rapids. It includes master
designs for four signature parks and master trail
system to connect the entire community.
 Downtown Master Plan for the City of Park
Rapids – The purpose of this plan is to
distinguish downtown as a unique destination
while identifying concepts for new development,
strengthening the river front, and improving
visibility of Park Rapids.
 Existing Parks and Trails
 Park Rapids is home to beautiful existing parks
and trails. The City hosts a trailhead to the popular Heartland State Trail. This is
a great asset for residents, tourists, and businesses in close proximity to the trail.
 Organizational Strength
 Park Rapids has numerous organizations ready to act such as Health Park Rapids
2020, Progress Park Rapids, Rotary Club, Chamber of Commerce, Etc.
Weaknesses
 Lack of Connections
 There is a lack of safe and accessible connections to and from destinations in the
city.
 Infrastructure
 Lack of necessary amenities and infrastructure, which inhibits Park Rapids from
being a top-notch bicycle and pedestrian friendly community.
 Financial
 Cost associated with physical activity.
 Low income/poverty
 One of five lowest per capita incomes in state. It is difficult to provide
opportunities for all levels of income.
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Opportunities
Traction on Parks Plan
There is a great opportunity to start to make some traction on the parks and trails plan. This can
be a multi-pronged approach, including grassroots community organizing. Park Rapids is aware
of the potential for growth and the need to
accommodate their population and high rates of
tourism by improving and expanding the parks and
trails system. Multiple community organizations
have recently shown ample interest in Depot and
Lindquist Parks. There is an opportunity to work
together as a community to improve these two parks
in the short term and eventually expand efforts to
other parks in the future.
Comprehensive Approach to Active Living
There is an opportunity for a very robust active living campaign in Park Rapids. The stated goals
of SHIP are to focus on policy and environmental change. This will be a large focus for
implementation of this plan. With the support of community organizations, there is an
opportunity to enhance these efforts with programs and promotions that help people understand
the importance of incorporating physical activity into their daily lives.
Political Support (and Partnerships)
There is an opportunity to educate and inform elected officials about the importance of active
living in Hubbard County. A resolution of support could be adopted by the City of Park Rapids,
Beltrami County, and other communities to indicate support for active living.
There is also an opportunity to capitalize on and/or develop strong partnerships to work together
to implement active living. Policy makers will be much more likely to support active living if
the whole community identified it as an important issue and sees multiple groups/organizations
working towards implementation.
Education and Marketing
There are already many great opportunities for people to be physically active in Park Rapids.
There is an important opportunity to make people more aware of these local options. Finding a
way to combine efforts among all of the active organizations to improve their marketing efforts
of events, programs, promotions, etc and finding a way to market them so that they are
accessible to all residents of Park Rapids is a critical step. A community-wide campaign to
promote active living-with a focus on highlighting opportunities to be physically active in
Hubbard County should be implemented.
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The Heartland Trail Association is a relatively new group of individuals interested in promoting
the interests of the Heartland Trail, including maintaining, marketing, and extending the trail.
Threats
Culture of Inactivity
There is a sense that people are “too busy” to be active because of busy lives. There is also a
perceived lack of support for youth/children activities from adults in the Park Rapids area.
Fewer children are involved in organized sports. Kids tend to be fixated with technology such as
Playstation or Xbox for entertainment rather than going outside and running around with friends.
Costs are also going up, transportation to activities and sports is more challenging, expensive and
time consuming, and there is a perception that pride in local sports is decreasing.
Economic times
For a variety of reasons, the City of Park Rapids has been unable to complete two funded
Transportation Enhancement projects. Making progress on the parks and trails plan over the
next several years is an important challenge.
Key Findings
 Political support, particularly when considering pedestrian and bicycle facilities, is a key
to success in Park Rapids.
 Park Rapids has engaged in high quality planning to help articulate future goals.
 Solid organizational strength is a great asset to Park Rapids.
 There is a lack of necessary amenities and infrastructure which inhibits Park Rapids from
being a bicycle and pedestrian friendly community.
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Clearwater County
Active Living Context
Clearwater County is blessed with great natural assets and attractive public land, including great
bird watching, farming, hiking, and fishing opportunities. Clearwater County is also home of the
source of the Mississippi River whose headwaters are in Lake Itasca. The Clearwater County
local leadership team stressed that it is important to consider the active living needs of the whole
County.
Strengths
 Existing Parks and Trails
 Clearwater County is home to
beautiful existing parks, trails,
and natural assets such as Lake
Lomond Park, Itasca State
Park, a School Forest, and
Farm by the Lake.
 Team Industries
 Team Industries was built in
1991 in Bagley, MN. As a
large employer, this addition of a large manufacturing and engineering facility
helped to boost the economy of Bagley by creating numerous opportunities for
employment in this small rural town.
Weaknesses
 Quality/Connectivity of existing trails – Many trails in Clearwater County are not
completely paved or groomed, creating barriers for walking and biking. One example is
between Leonard and Clearbrook-Gonvick, where the trail is private which also creates a
challenge for those who would like to utilize the trail because they would need to find an
alternate way to travel between these locations.
 Development/housing choices centered around the car
 Large distance between housing and key destinations
 Lack of shoulder for walkers/bikers in many areas
 Lake of sidewalks for easy accessibility to locations on foot
 Lack of appropriate signage for pedestrians and bicyclists
 Financial- The cost associated (i.e. local match) with Transportation Enhancement
projects and providing opportunities for physical activity is a challenge for Clearwater
County.
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Opportunities
Improve Connections
There is an opportunity to improve connections to and between housing and key destinations
(such as schools, Lake Lomond Park, businesses, and access to trails) by providing necessary
infrastructure and implementing appropriate signage, crossings, etc.
Promote Existing Resources
Promoting the wide variety of existing options for physical activity and recreation in Clearwater
is an important opportunity. It is not necessary spend a lot of money on new infrastructure. The
large amount of public land in Clearwater County presents options for ATV use, mountain
bicycling, hiking, canoeing, and a variety of other activities.
Political Support (and Partnerships)
Clearwater County has the opportunity to build on their existing partnerships and collaborate
county-wide to create a strong partnership in support of active living. This opportunity will
likely need to include building support with Clearwater County, the City of Bagley, and other
entities/organizations.
Geocaching
Geocaching is a worldwide GPS coordinate treasure hunt. Clearwater County has an excellent
opportunity to build locally on their existing geocaching opportunities and utilize the geographic
area for a community wide treasure hunt. This
activity can be utilized to promote physical activity
by specifically placing caches that can only be
attained through walking or biking. This effort is to
build on the existing geocaching community and
promote health and physical activity through a fun
and easy family game. GPS devices will be made
available for an extended period of time throughout
the summer through the 4-H extension office until
funds can be secured to purchase their own set of
GPS devices.
Pedestrian/Bicycle Signage
There is an opportunity for Bagley to implement pedestrian and bicycle signage to Lake Lomond
Park to help make pedestrians and bicyclists feel more comfortable. Installing mile marker
signage is an example that would notify users of the distance required to circumnavigate the lake.
Threats
Economic Times
The current financial climate in Clearwater County is challenging when considering the costs
associated with Transportation Enhancement projects and park improvements. The greatest
struggle and deciding factor for a lot of projects comes from finding the local match for funding
projects.
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Mindset/Culture of Inactivity
A threat to active living in Clearwater County is the existing mindset around physical activity
and wellness, particularly as it relates to active transportation.
Key Findings
 Team Industries is a great asset to Clearwater County‟s economy and work force.
 Clearwater County has a wide variety of natural/recreational assets, including Lake
Lomond Park, forested land, trails and Itasca State Park in close proximity.
 The lack of upkeep, pavement, and private segment from Leonard to Clearbrook-Gonvick
is a challenge when trying to promote usage of the trail.
 The town is built around the car with large distances between key destinations, lack of
pedestrian/bicyclist signage, and lack of connections to and between key destinations.
 There is opportunity for Clearwater County to build on their existing geocaching
community to promote activity without utilization of the car.
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Lake of the Woods County
Active Living Context
Recognized as the „walleye capital of the world‟, Lake of
the Woods County is an attractive place for residents and
seasonal tourists. Lake of the Woods County is known
for its year round fishing and numerous recreation
opportunities, including nearby Zippel Bay State Park,
Beltrami Island State Park and three beautiful municipal
parks. The core of Baudette is largely walkable with a
great multi-use trail that provides great access to Timber
Mill Park and downtown. A large effort to complete a
multi-use trail to the school on the west side of town has
been a priority for years and is near completion.
Strengths
 Parks and Trails
 Baudette is home to three municipal parks.
 School Forest.
 Close proximity to Zippel Bay State Park
and Beltrami Island State Forest.
 Compact Downtown
 Baudette has a compact downtown which
makes for ease when walking and biking to
destinations.
 School
 Baudette School serves as a community
center offering a tennis court, weight room, pool, and indoor track.
Weaknesses
 Connectivity – A pending trail project will significantly improve pedestrian and bicycle
connections in Baudette. There are still several areas that do not have proper
accommodations for bicyclists or walkers.
 Lack of awareness of pedestrians – Baudette has a lack of safe crossing for pedestrians
and bicyclists on Highway 11.
 Bicycle safety – there is a lack of bicycle education in the area. Children often do no wear
helmets for fear of being laughed at.
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Opportunities
Infrastructure
There are opportunities to improve active transportation with infrastructure that could include
bike lanes, bike racks at key destinations, appropriate signage for accessing the parks via bicycle,
and safe crossings for pedestrians/bicyclists. The focus of this effort would be to make biking
and walking safe and easy opportunities in Baudette. The pending trail project could also be
enhanced with media attention and share-the-road signage.
Highlighting Safety
Events to highlight walking and bicycle safety should be held regularly. Events could include;
walking school bus, helmet education, and bicycle rodeos.
Partnerships
Baudette has the opportunity to build on their existing partnerships and possibly collaborate to
create a strong group of individuals in support of active living in the community.
Political Support
There is an opportunity to educate and inform elected officials about the importance of active
living in the community of Baudette. A resolution of support could be signed by the City of
Baudette and Lake of the Woods County to indicate support for active living principles.
Threats
Economic times
The cost associated with infrastructure is often a burden for many communities. Also, the cost
associated with physical activity is a challenge when trying to provide physical activities for
youth in particular.
Finding Champions
Baudette has tremendous potential from their existing partnerships, but will need to find
champions to support local active living efforts. Without local champions efforts cannot be
sustained.
Key Findings




Baudette has great existing parks and trails.
Baudette School serves as a community recreation center.
There is opportunity to complete the existing trail from downtown to the school.
There is a lack of adequate signage and safe crossings for walkers and bicyclists.
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Active Living Plan
Active Living Vision
Through deliberate, collective action, the Headwaters Region will be a place:
 where there exists a mutual respect among all modes of transportation
 that is as accessible for bicyclists and pedestrians as it is for motor vehicles
 where physical activity is safe, easy, accessible, and a common occurrence for residents
 that has strong connections – allowing people to comfortably navigate to and from
destinations in communities
 where children can safely walk and bicycle to school
Goals


Implement policies and practices that create active communities by increasing
opportunities for non-motorized transportation & access to community recreational
activities.
Incorporate pedestrian and bicycle facilities into standard transportation improvement
programs (TIP) or capital improvement plans (CIP) throughout the Region
Objectives and Strategies
Objective 1:
Generate community-wide support for active living
Strategy 1.1 – Utilize the local leadership teams to educate, inform, and increase the
amount of “buy-in” across the region for active living
Description – The local leadership teams are in a great position to expand
the amount of “buy-in” for active living in each County. This includes
reaching out to engineering departments, elected officials, citizens, and
other departments and organizations that may have an interest in active
living.
Strategy 1.2 – Partner on high priorities with a wide range of community organizations
Description – There are a wide variety of opportunities and methods to
consider when implementing active living. Creating effective
partnerships may be the best way to tackle these opportunities at the local
level. It will be important to leave open the option to continue to
evaluate, plan, and implement new active living initiatives as they arise.
There are also ample opportunities across the region for grass-root
organizing to implement existing initiatives.
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Objective 2:
Promote policies that create and support an active living environment
Strategy 2.1 – Complete Walk Audits in population centers (with a focus on the County
seats in the short term)
Description – One of the primary benefits of a walk audit is to develop an
action plan with strategies to improve walkability in communities. It also
serves as a chance for public input and buy-in. LOW recently (June 2010)
completed a walk audit. Bemidji completed a walk audit in October 2008.
Strategy 2.2 – Create an “Active Living Toolkit” to help integrate active living
principles into the agenda of communities in the Headwaters Region
Description – The Active Living Toolkit will provide sample policies,
action items, implementation steps and examples from other communities
in Minnesota and across the Country. It will also include a sample
resolution of support that communities can adopt to indicate support for
active living principles. Ideally, the Active Living Toolkit will be a
valuable resource for communities in the region.
Strategy 2.3 – Present the active living toolkit and seek resolutions of support from each
County Board (Beltrami, Clearwater, Hubbard, and Lake of the Woods
County), each County Seat (Bemidji, Bagley, Park Rapids, and Baudette),
and other communities as deemed necessary by members of the CLT
Strategy 2.4 – Develop Complete Streets Policies for municipalities (or incorporate
concepts into Transportation Improvement Programs (TIP) or Capital
Improvement Plans (CIP)
Strategy 2.5 – Develop (parks and) trails plans where opportunities present themselves,
with a focus on active transportation (using human powered transportation
such as bicycling and walking to get to destinations such as schools,
places of employment, and residential areas)
Objective 3:
Provide essential infrastructure that makes physical activity an easy, accessible
and enjoyable option
Strategy 3.1 – Pursue Federal Transportation Funds, including Transportation
Enhancements and Safe Routes to School to provide pedestrian and
bicycle facilities
Strategy 3.2 – Install signage that provides a safe, clear, and seamless trip to key
destinations
Description – There are a wide variety of options for pedestrian and/or
bicycle scale signage. Good examples include Share-the-Road Signage,
wayfinding signs (that help guide pedestrians and bicyclists to
destinations), and bicycle route signs
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Strategy 3.3 – Install bicycle racks at important destinations (such as schools, businesses,
parks, etc.)
Strategy 3.4 – Include sidewalks, bicycle lanes, wide shoulders, and/or separated bicycle
trails in appropriate road reconstruction projects OR as standalone
transportation projects
Objective 4:
Develop programs and promotions that highlight existing opportunities to be
physically active
Strategy 4.1 – Host a variety of events that have an active component
Description – This could take on many forms. The following are a few
options:
 A lead group (i.e. a service organization, group of community
leaders such as Healthy Park Rapids 2020, or active citizens) could
take the lead on organizing a centrally and conveniently located
active living event.
 Host a geocaching event (using a gps device to find hidden
containers) to highlight key pedestrian and bicycle routes and/or
area parks and trails
 Organize community bicycle rides
 Host a 5K walk/run
 Start a bicycle or walking club
Strategy 4.2 – Develop pedestrian and bicycle route maps
Strategy 4.3 – Develop active living brochures, highlighting concepts such as “Rules of
the Rode” and “Share the Trail” to highlight expectations and laws for
pedestrians and bicyclists
Strategy 4.4 – Paint, repaint, and sign marked cross walks – particularly along desirable
pedestrian and bicycle routes
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Implementation Approach
Implementation of this active living initiative can be approached in a variety of ways. The
HRDC, as the contractor for the physical activity in communities‟ intervention, will have an
important role. The Community Leadership Team and the local teams will also be key players in
implementation. Finally, the community as a whole should be involved. This includes ordinary
citizens, service organizations, elected officials, and others interested in health and wellness.
This section provides an overall approach to implementation. It will be up to each individual
community to determine what the most important issues are and how to start to make progress.
Early Implementation
The “early implementation” time period will be from July 1 to December 31, 2010. The ideal
outcome of this early period is to set up communities to incorporate pedestrian and bicycle
facilities into the standard transportation programming. It will be essential to obtain political
support for active living and supply communities with tools to advance active living. The HRDC
will lead this effort with the support of the CLT and local teams. Specifically, the HRDC will
develop an “Active Living Toolkit” and work with communities to adopt the toolkit and a
resolution of support.
Low Hanging Fruit
Communities also have the option of finding “low hanging fruit” – or initiatives that are
relatively easy to implement and will have a significant impact. This is important to generate
buzz in communities for active living.
There is $1,000 available for each of the four North Country Counties to spend on the “physical
activity in Communities” intervention. There is specific guidance on eligible and non-eligible
expenses. The following are allowed uses based on the guidance that can help move
communities forward on active living initiatives:
 Printing and distributing trail maps
 Way-finding signage (including the metal pole) for bike trails, parks, etc. (Installation
costs including the cement or cost to pout the cement is not an allowable expense for
SHIP funds)
 Cost of paint or tape for bike lane or cross walk striping…exclusive of the installation
and the installation materials
 Banners with healthy lifestyle messages
 Install bicycle racks (note that there are specific conditions for this use)
Given the above list of allowable expenses, the following are specific recommended initiatives to
take advantage of the $1,000 of financial assistance:
 Beltrami County
 Put $1,000 towards the cost of a wayfinding sign at the water front, which will
include a pedestrian and bicycle route map for Lake Bemidji.
 If the wayfinding sign does not materialize, signing and striping a key route or
installing a bicycle rack downtown are good alternatives.
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 Hubbard County
 Install “Share-the-Road” Signs on 6th Street to
supplement the newly reconstructed road, addition of
sidewalks, and plans to improve access to the park.
 Seek match from businesses, civic organizations, the
City of Park Rapids, and/or Hubbard County if the
expense is greater than $1,000. Labor and installation
materials cannot be part of the SHIP funds.
 There is also an on-going effort to make improvements
to Depot Park and Lindquist Park. An informal group
has been established to make real improvements
before winter.
 Clearwater County
 Install wayfinding signage and/or striping for a pedestrian/bicycle route from
destinations (such as Team Industries or the Bagley Elementary School)
 Seek partnerships for installation labor and matching cost with Team Industries,
Bagley Elementary School, the City of Bagley, the Parks Board, and/or
Clearwater County)
 Lake of the Woods County
 Upon successful construction of two key bicycle trails in Baudette, install signage
along parts of the route to enhance safety and awareness. This could be a
combination of “Share-the-Road” and Bicycle Route Signage.
One to Five Year Implementation
While the first six months (July 1 to December 31, 2010) is critical to getting the ball rolling on
active living, it will also be important to consider implementing strategies outlined in the Active
Living Plan (above) over the next five years. The following is a breakdown of how to think
about implementation – accompanied by an “implementation matrix”:
Identify Champions
It is important to identify champions for active living strategies. A champion in this context is an
individual, group, or organization that is committed to seeing a strategy thru to completion. A
champion has to be passionate about a particular strategy and have a desire to get real results. If
there is no champion, there really is no strategy.
Prioritize
Given the complexity of active living and the wide range of possible strategies, it is very
important to prioritize which strategies are the most important. The prioritization process should
take into account the desired outcome as well as the ability to complete the strategy.
Utilize/Maximize Partnerships
Most active living strategies will require effective partnerships. Each County already has a great
start on partnerships in their local leadership teams. It will be important to expand these
partnerships to gain expertise in transportation planning and engineering, as well as political
support.
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Implementation Matrix
Strategy
Priority
Responsible Party
Lead Contact
Support
Timeline
*ST or LT
Utilize the local leadership teams to educate, inform, and High
increase the amount of “buy-in” across the region for
active living
Member of the
respective local
leadership team
(LLT)**
HRDC
Partner on high priorities with a wide range of community High
organizations
LLT
HRDC, other community ST
organizations
Complete Walk Audits in population centers (with a focus High
on the County seats in the short term)
HRDC
LLT
ST
Create an “Active Living Toolkit” that will help integrate High
active living principles into agenda of communities in the
Headwaters Region
HRDC
LLT
ST
Present the active living toolkit and seek resolutions of
High
support from each County Board (Beltrami, Clearwater,
Hubbard, and Lake of the Woods County), each County
Seat (Bemidji, Bagley, Park Rapids, and Baudette), and
other communities as deemed necessary by members of
the CLT
Incorporate complete streets concepts into transportation High
improvement programs or road improvement plans
HRDC
LLT
ST
Staff from respective HRDC, external
communities
complete streets expert
ST
Develop (parks and) trails plans where opportunities
Moderate
present themselves, with a focus on active transportation
(using human powered transportation such as bicycling
and walking to get to destinations such as schools,
places of employment, and residential areas)
HRDC or other
LLT
organization/planning
firm
LT
Pursue Federal Transportation Funds, including
Moderate
Transportation Enhancements and Safe Routes to School
to provide pedestrian and bicycle facilities
Install signage that provides a safe, clear, and seamless High
trip to key destinations
HRDC
Install bicycle racks at important destinations (such as
schools, businesses, parks, etc.)
Include sidewalks, bicycle lanes, wide shoulders, and/or High
separated bicycle trails in appropriate road reconstruction
projects OR as standalone transportation projects
Staff from respective Elected officials, HRDC, ST/LT
communities
other community
members
County engineers,
Elected officials, HRDC, ST/LT
road authorities
other community
members
Host a variety of events that have an active component
Moderate
LLT
Develop pedestrian and bicycle route maps
High
HRDC, private firms
or local staffing
ST/LT
Develop active living brochures, highlighting concepts
such as “Rules of the Rode” and “Share the Trail” to
highlight expectations and laws for pedestrians and
bicyclists
Moderate
LLT, community
members/
organizations
ST/LT
Moderate
Paint, repaint, and sign marked cross walks – particularly Moderate
along desirable pedestrian and bicycle routes
Notes
ST
Park Rapids
and Bagley
in 2010
Trails
Planning in
Lake of the
Woods
County engineers, other ST/LT
staff from respective
communities
Staff from respective Elected officials, HRDC, ST/LT
communities
other community
members
County engineers,
road authorities
Community members
Elected officials,
community members
ST/LT
ST/LT
*ST indicates working on, or completing, the strategy from July 1 to December 31, 2010
**LLT stands for local leadership team and can include other members of the community
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Appendix
Summary of Public Engagement
Public engagement was a critical piece of the development of this plan. The summary of public
engagement provides views from a wide variety of stakeholders in the community. The
following is a breakdown of meetings and events which were conducted over the planning
process:
Active Living Engagement Meetings
Beltrami County SHIP Leadership Team
Clearwater County Parks Board
Clearwater County SHIP Leadership Team
Hubbard County SHIP Leadership Team (Healthy Park Rapids 2020)
Lake of the Woods SHIP Leadership Team
Progress Park Rapids
SWOT Analysis (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats
Clearwater County SHIP Leadership Team
Healthy Park Rapids 2020
Lake of the Woods SHIP Leadership Team
Progress Park Rapids
Active Living in Action
Clearwater County Geocaching Event
Lake of the Woods Walk Audit
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Active Living Engagement Meetings
Description:
The intent of the first meeting in all of the counties was to provide leadership teams with some
active living context regarding the project such as:
 The Active Living by Design Community Action Model(see attached)
 Work program for project
 Generate excitement about active living in each of their communities
These meetings brought together a wide variety of community members, including
representation from the local school districts, hospitals/clinics, elected officials, and city/county
workers.
SWOT Analysis
Description:
The intent of these meetings was to help the Leadership Teams identify strengths, weaknesses,
opportunities, and threats to active living in their communities. Leadership teams reviewed the
four Domains of Active Living (see below) prior to the SWOT analysis to provide some active
living context.
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Domains of Active Living
“Active living is a way of life that integrates physical activity into daily routines.” Active Living
by Design developed a model that we are using to tailor an appropriate vision for active living in
each of the counties. Active Living by Design helps communities create more opportunities for
physical activity through policy and community design. According to this model, physical
activity can be viewed in 4 “systems” which are:
 Schools
 Parks and Recreation
 Active Transportation
 Community Design/Land Use
Schools
The school system represents school environments including buildings, grounds, curricula,
procedures and norms, as well as the accessibility of schools and the quality of routes to and
from school
Key Issues
 Getting to and from school
 Traffic concerns
Parks and Recreation
Parks and recreation refers to the accessibility and quality of parks, playgrounds, trails, and
natural open space, indoor recreation centers, gyms, pools and the programs that encourage
people to use them.
Key Issues
 Availability
 Design and Maintenance
 Programming
Active Transportation
Active transportation pertains to the physical arrangements and facilities that support walking,
biking, public transit, and other active means of transportation.
Key issues
 Access to destinations
 Safety
 Equity
Community Design/Land Use
Community Design/Land Use refers mainly to how the layout of the community and the quality
of places affects the accessibility and use of key destinations and opportunities for physical
activity.
Key Issues
 Community design/land use
 Proximity and destination diversity
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Active Living in Action
Clearwater County Geocaching Event
Description:
June 9, 2010 the Clearwater County SHIP Leadership Team hosted “Geocaching in the Park:
Hunting for Health” to explore their assets and barriers to physical activity in their community.
As identified in their SWOT Analysis meeting, the Clearwater County SHIP Leadership Team
found geocaching to be an asset to the community. Geocaching was sought to be beneficial for
exercise, tourism, and identifying key destinations in the community.
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Active Living in Action
Lake of the Woods County Walk Audit
Purpose:
 Recognize health and environment connections
 Create vision of walkable community
 Develop an Action Plan
Approach:
Take a mile walk of downtown area and identify
positive and negative attributes to walkability.
Description:
June 22, 2010 - The Lake of the Woods County SHIP Leadership Team conducted a “walk
audit” of the downtown area, which was intended to begin the process of identifying assets and
barriers to active living in the community. The first piece was an hour walk of downtown and
some surrounding residential area. The map below is the route, with five destinations identified
for participants to consider. This was followed by small group discussion.
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The following are major themes from the walk audit:
Positive and negative indicators of active living along the route
 2nd Street and alley
o Positive
 Low vehicle speeds
 Not much traffic
 Wide streets-good for biking
 Quiet
o Negative
 No facilities for walking
 Road narrows
 Not enough lighting near residential areas for walking/biking in evening
rd
 3 Avenue near Main Street
o Positive
 Wide shoulders
o Negative
 No marked crosswalks/signage for pedestrians
 High vehicle traffic with fast speeds
 No sidewalks/signage west of town on Main Street
 Large vehicles- i.e. boats, trucks, and semi‟s park along Main Street
making it difficult for pedestrians to be seen
 2nd Street and Main Avenue North
o Positive
 Slower vehicle traffic
 Well marked pedestrian crossings
 Bicycle friendly
 Appealing- i.e. flowers, trees, business displays
 “Feels safe”- feels like pedestrians/bicyclists should be there
 Good lighting
o Negative
 Sidewalk suddenly emerges on 2nd street
 Sidewalk on 2nd street needs repair- power pole has begun to uproot the
sidewalk
 Store displays on sidewalks make it hard for young children and elderly
pedestrians to get around
 Main Street and Main Avenue
o Negative
 Fast traffic- speed is 30 mph but few vehicles go that speed
 Crosswalk marking is faded
 Pedestrian sign in middle of road instead of at crosswalk
 Lack of amenities for bicyclists
 Narrow sidewalk at corner of Main Avenue North and Main Street East
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
Main Street and 1st Street
o Positive
 Marked crosswalk and pedestrian sign
o Negative
 Fast vehicle traffic
 No sidewalk on 1st Street
 Narrow road
 Crosswalk marking is faded
 Pedestrian does not feel safe crossing Main Street
Community-Wide Active Living Issues




General Comments
o Mindset- we need to change how drivers view and interact with bicyclists and
pedestrians
o Crossing Main Street has a perceived difficulty because of the fast traffic, lack of
signage, and faded crosswalk markings
o Inattentive driving- i.e. cell phone use
o Pedestrian crossings, signage, and lighting downtown is positive
o Community walks needed to help educate the public about walking/biking safety,
education, and rules of the road
o Maintenance of sidewalks and roads could be improved
o Good shoulders on most streets for biking
“Needs” for Active Living
o Facilities for bicyclists/pedestrians
 Share the Road Signs
 More bike paths, bike lanes, painted crosswalks, and bike racks
 Signage, directions, mile markers
 Benches
 Exercise stations
 Completion of trail from school to park
 Maintenance of sidewalks and roads
 Enforcement of crossings
 Lighted pedestrian crossings
 Trails connected to resort areas
Change Behaviors
o Driver of vehicles as well as bicycles
o Slow traffic down on Main Street
o Community education/outreach – Community walks to educate individuals about
the rules of the road and safety for all modes of transportation
Other
o Sidewalk improvements
o Incorporate school into community
o Build partnerships with civic organizations, biking/walking advocates, city/county
officials, resorts, local businesses, citizens, Mn/DOT, and DNR
o Mapping walking/biking routes
o Utilize local media to generate awareness about bicycle/pedestrian issues
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