City of Chino Hills Trail Program
In
2001, the City of Chino Hills, California, updated the Trails Element of the Parks,
Recreation and Open Space Master Plan to include 38 miles of designated hiking,
biking and equestrian trails. The
intended outcomes were to improve health and physical activity among residents.
Environmental Change Initiation
A
Trails Element Master Plan Update Committee mapped existing and potential
trails; established standards for naming, maintaining and enforcing rules on
trails; and suggested future improvements.
Public hearings and an environmental review took place prior to adoption
of the trail system.
Public Health Agency Roles
A
health educator from the San Bernardino County Health Department participated regularly
as a member of the local Healthy Cities Steering Committee, providing information,
data, and resources.
Major Partners
The
San Bernardino County Health Department, the California Department of Parks and
Recreation and
Official Support
Official
support was provided by the Chino Hills City Council, the Director of
Neighborhoods, and the Community Development Director.
Results from the Environmental Change
The
City presented information to residents at social and public functions;
produced and distributed more than 19,000 brochures highlighting the trail
system; scheduled numerous guided trail hikes for residents; and provided public
meeting space for local walking/running clubs.
An Adopt-a-Trail program was also established for residents, groups and
volunteers to regularly walk the trails, remove small debris and notify city
officials of larger maintenance issues. Results
included a 12% increase in exercising at least 3 times per week as reported by
residents participating in city guided hikes.
Lesson Learned
Community
support and local government leadership were essential factors in preserving
and developing a community-wide trail system.
The City continues to improve the trail system and promote the value of
physical fitness and open space to residents through park and recreational
program activities and events.
Submitted By
Executive Director
Center for Civic Partnerships
(916) 646-8680
(916) 646-8660 FAX