The SD Department of Health is pleased to offer a technical assistance opportunity for South Dakota communities on conducting active transportation assessments that can jumpstart improvements to the built environment, enhancing walkability and bikeability. Active transportation integrates physical activity into daily routines such as walking or biking to destinations such as work, grocery stores or parks. Creating activity-friendly routes to everyday destinations is an evidenced-based strategy to increase physical activity in communities. Previously selected communities include Huron, Mitchell, Salem, Volga, Ft. Pierre, Crooks, Burke, Tripp, Sioux Falls, Harrisburg and Sturgis.

One SD community, or two communities as a joint inter-community application, will have the opportunity to work collectively with SDSU-LA (Landscape Architect) students under the direction of Professor Donald Burger during their spring 2021 City Planning course. SDSU-LA will conduct on-site assessments in the selected community, analyze their findings and present a final set of realistic recommendations to the community stakeholders. The full description and application can be found at www.HealthySD.gov under the Funding Opportunities tab at the top of the page. The deadline to submit applications is February 5th, by 5:00pm (CST). COVID-19 safety measures will be followed throughout the community engagement process. Take the first step towards improving walkability in your community. Walkable communities benefit everyone!