Increasing Safe and Equitable Access to Oregon Parks, Green Spaces, and Physical Activity Opportunities

During the first part of this webinar, participants will learn about a toolkit released by The Safe Routes Partnership and Oregon Health Authority: "Connecting People to Parks: A Toolkit to Increase Safe and Equitable Access to Local Parks and Green Spaces". Based on the Safe Routes to Parks framework, the toolkit focuses on access to parks via active transportation as well as ensuring a high-quality, safe experience within the park itself. Resources included in the toolkit provide step-by-step guidance on how to engage community members of all ages and abilities, assess barriers to safe and equitable park access, identify goals and take meaningful action steps, and consider how to sustain ongoing Safe Routes to Parks efforts.

During the second part of the webinar, participants will be introduced to the Walk With Ease (WWE) program, an evidence-based walking program that is proven to reduce pain and discomfort associated with arthritis, increase balance, strength, and walking pace, build confidence, and improve overall health.

The presenters will explore ideas on implementing Safe Routes to Parks in Oregon communities and address different ways to align Safe Routes to Parks efforts with evidence-based physical activity programs like Walk With Ease.

Intended audience: 

The resources included in the toolkit were primarily developed for parks and recreation agencies looking to support local-level change, guided by their partnership with community members. However, everyone can have a role in supporting this work and benefit from the tools included. The majority of the tools will be useful and understandable regardless of whether you have a background in parks and recreation. 

The Walk With Ease program was designed for older adults with arthritis and other pain conditions but is available to and can benefit anyone looking to become more active. This presentation will be applicable to all. Professionals working with adults and older adults, as well as caretakers and family members of older adults, may find this presentation particularly helpful.

Presenters:

Becky Gilliam, Program Support Manager, Safe Routes Partnership

Becky Gilliam is a Program Support Manager for the Safe Routes Partnership. In this role, she provides technical assistance, develops resources, helps advance public policy, and supports the consulting work of the Safe Routes Partnership. Becky joined the Safe Routes Partnership in 2018 and worked for three years as a Regional Policy Manager in the Pacific Northwest. In her previous role, she advanced policies and funding that resulted in improved infrastructure and programs to support safe walking and bicycling for children and families.  Now, she provides technical assistance, resource development, and public policy support for a variety of communities across the country. Becky lives in Silverton, Oregon, where she enjoys growing food and flowers, easy access to beautiful nature parks, and small-town walkability.

Allison Harris, MPH, Walk With Ease Program Coordinator, Oregon State University

Allison Harris is the statewide Walk With Ease Program Coordinator through the Oregon State University Extension Service. She works in partnership with the Oregon Health Authority and community organizations to administer instructor-led, self-directed, and online virtual Walk With Ease programs in Oregon. She is also the Nutrition Program Coordinator in Coos and Curry Counties. In this role, she provides oversight and leadership for the SNAP-Education program in these counties and delivers nutrition education and obesity prevention programs to low income families, through community partnerships. Allison lives in Myrtle Point, Oregon, and enjoys visiting the beach with her family and hiking. She appreciates the beautiful geography and the many physical activity opportunities that the southern Oregon coast offers!

 Registration Fee

• OGA members: Free!
• Non-members: $10
• Non-member students/seniors and registrants with limited financial means: $5

Why do we ask for a fee?

OGA is a non-profit organization run by volunteers. Events and donations are our main sources of income to fund our educational and networking programs.

Reduced or complementary event registration is one of the great benefits for OGA members! If you like our educational program - we strive to offer at least one event per month - becoming a member will pay off quickly! To learn more about OGA membership, please visit our Membership page.

However, we understand that many of us are struggling to make ends meet these days. No one will be turned away! If you cannot afford $5 at this moment, please contact us at [email protected] - thanks to the generous donations of OGA members and friends throughout the year, we can cover a small number of registrations for each event.

PLEASE REGISTER HERE to receive the Zoom link. Should you encounter any difficulties registering online, please don't hesitate to reach out! Please note that payment via check is currently not possible through the online form! If you cannot or do not wish to pay electronically, please do not complete the form. Instead, contact us at [email protected], and we will guide you through the offline payment process.