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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
The Medical Mile continuedpeople from around the world visit the area each year. The Medical Mile gives apositive impression of a city dedicated to the health and wellness of its citizens. TheMedical Mile can be experienced from either direction, on foot, roller blades orwheels. Created to encourage fitness in people of every ability, young and old andin-between, the trail is a resounding statement about the need to focus nationalattention on preventable chronic disease through lifestyle changes.The Medical Mile is only one dazzling piece of the Arkansas River Trail. Making a14-mile loop with an additional 10-mile extension to Pinnacle Mountain State Park,the trail will eventually connect with the 225-mile Ouachita Wilderness trail. Over24 key tourism destinations, including over 5,000 acres of federal, state, and localparkland will be connected by the trail. Developers use the trail’s proximity to sellhigh-rise condominiums, housing, and commercial developments. From the perspectiveof the City of Little Rock, the trail is aneconomic, health, and environmental conservationstimulator. And... it’s good public health!For more information on the Medical Mileproject visit www.AmericanTrails.org. Goto the “Quick Jump” menu and select“Health & Trails,” then see the“Community” section.“The Medical Mile ought to be anexample for the future, because it’sgood for all of us.”– Richard Davies, Executive Director,Arkansas Department of Parks andTourismTerry Eastin
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