The future of trails and greenways in America The future ... - Atfiles.org

Arkansas’“Medical Mile”Little Rock’s innovative walkway for health hailed by national trails leadersBy Terry EastinIn December 2003 two dozen physicians with the state’slargest cardiology clinic agreed unanimously to supportcompletion of the Arkansas River Trail. This was a groundbreakingmove to increase awareness and make a real impacton the prevention of obesity and heart disease in Arkansas: a“medical mile” of trail in the heart of downtown Little Rock.Supported by major hospitals, coalitions, the ArkansasDepartment of Health, and numerous individual physiciansand medical practices, the fundraising program exceeded the$350,000 goal in the first three months of the campaign. Bythe end of two years, the project had raised $2.1 million.The inspiration was born of a collaboration between theNational Park ServiceRivers Trails andConservation AssistanceProgram, Heart ClinicArkansas, and Little RockParks and Recreation, andbecame the focal point fora unique health and trailspartnership that createdthe nation’s first outdoorlinear health museum.The “Medical Mile” hasbecome an artistic expressionof health designed toinspire, delight, and motivatepeople to make wellness-orientedlifestylechanges.“Our participation inthis project is a way ofsaying ‘Thank you’ andrepresents an effort togive back to the communityby offering our citizensa safe and accessibleplace to exercise and byencouraging a morehealthy lifestyle.”– Dr. Eleanor Kennedy,Heart Clinic ArkansasIt includes a 1,300 foot three-dimensional mural wall, awellness promenade with artful displays, as well as aWisteria pergola on the Medical MileBody-Mind-Spirit entry plaza that encourages trail users toremember that a healthy mind and spirit are the key stepstoward a healthy body.The project theme, developed by the Arkansas Departmentof Health, a project partner, focused on an “Exercise +Smoking Cessation + Better Nutrition” formula that signals a70% reduction in chronic disease. By using varying spatialand interpretive perspectives, each of the three key featuresprovided something unique and inspiring for trail users.The Medical Mile winds along the river through the mostprominent commercial and recreational district in Arkansas.Riverfront Park, the location of the Medical Mile is the hubof the central district. The park is adjacent to the ClintonPresidential Library and numerous other venues like theArkansas Statehouse Convention Center. Over two million30NEW YEARS 2007 American TrailsThe Peace Plaza