Walkability in South Lake Tahoe

El Dorado County, March-August 2023

Project Goal

  1. Citizen scientists focused on assessing environmental factors to improve healthy living behaviors and identifying potential strategies to promote healthier lifestyles.
  2. Improve walkability

Project Description

8 members from a walking group identified the need for more walkability and expanded access to physical activity around the community’s Family Resource Center.

Discovery Tool Guiding Question

  • "What makes it easy or hard to walk in/around our neighborhood?"
  • “Qué hace que sea fácil o difícil caminar en/alrededor de nuestro vecindario?”

Insights

8 adults participated in 2 points of data collection. Across both Discovery Tool walks, 37 photos were taken with accompanying rankings (positive or negative), and 37 narratives. Participants then engaged in community meetings to identify themes that emerged from the data, as well as key areas of improvement and strengths of the community.

  • Themes Identified
  • Walkability
  • Accessibility 
  • Physical activity access
  • Safety

Strengths Identified: Support from the board of the Family Resource Center

Identified Areas for Improvement: Lack of pedestrian-friendly streets and access to physical activity

 

Activities and Outcomes

The citizen scientists shared their findings with various stakeholders, including the board of the Family Resource Center and the school district board. Establishing a partnership with Safe Routes to School and presenting at a City Hall meeting were suggested next steps from the community's Family Resource Center Board, but were not yet implemented. 

Key Solutions Generated Include:

  • Improvements in walkability through the use of speed bumps and pedestrian-friendly signage
  • Repaint sidewalks
  • Improvement of bicycle lanes 
  • Increased street lighting

People and Collaborators

Project Leads: 

  • CalFresh Healthy Living, University of California Cooperative Extension El Dorado County Facilitators 
    • Cristina Luquin
  • CalFresh Healthy Living, University of California State Office 
    • Barbara MkNelly
    • Kelley Brian

 

Collaborating Organization:

  • CalFresh Healthy Living, UCCE El Dorado County
  • Local Family Resource Center
  • Stanford University
  • CalFresh Healthy Living, UC

This material was funded by USDA's Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program - SNAP. This institution is an equal opportunity provider. Visit www.CalFreshHealthyLiving.org for healthy tips.

Our Voice Impact

"This experience has changed my life.  I see inadequacies everywhere I go as it relates to pedestrian access and safety.  I even stop [at] construction sites to remind them to be considerate of the handicapped in our community.  Thank you all so much for this awareness and empowerment to require change."

~ Pam Jiner, GirlTrek Advocacy Leader, Denver CO