What a Difference a Place Makes

Place matters for health! A growing body of research over the last several decades has shown the connections between place and health. From obesity and chronic disease to depression, social isolation, or increased exposure to environmental toxins and pollutants, a person’s zip code can be a more reliable determinant of health than their genetic code.

In 2016, Project for Public Spaces compiled a report of peer-reviewed research that found key factors linking pubic spaces and peoples’ health. And public spaces are more than just parks and plazas – our streets represent the largest area of public space a community has!

This webinar will introduce participants to the placemaking process, the research behind the findings linking place and health, and how to envision streets as places – not just their function in transporting people and goods, but the vital role they play in animating the social and economic life of communities.

Learning Objectives

• an understanding of why placemaking is critical to health
• creative tools for place-led, community-driven action, and
• tactics to secure partners, sponsors, and community champions

Common Questions

• Are you an active member of your community trying to improve streets for people? Does your community have more “through” streets than “to” streets?
• How do we encourage more social interaction and connectedness in our communities?
• How can we encourage more walking and biking?