In part one of
Fit Communities on North Carolina Now, Heather Burgiss highlights Charlotte’s Mecklenburg County and the county-wide efforts to create and foster opportunities to get moving and be healthy.
The Charlotte-Mecklenburg County area is large and diverse, with both an urban and suburban landscape. The Fit Community series uncovers how Mecklenburg County is working hard to give residents healthy options. The county earned a Fit Community designation by creating new ways to empower those who live in their area to be healthy and on the move.
You’ll see how in North Carolina the road to better health can be made smoother with community support. The series shows how communities who excel at promoting and creating physical activity and healthy options are designated a fit community.
The designation has communities focus on work sites, schools, and sidewalks and bike lanes. We’ll hear from Dianne Thomas Director of Fit City Challenge for the Mecklenburg County Health Department. Continued.....
Demographics:
County Seat: Charlotte
Population:
902,803 (as of 2008)
Main Industry:
Financial sector
Median Household income:
$50,579
9.20% of individual population below poverty line
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 546 square miles (1,415 km²), of which, 526 square miles (1,363 km²) of it is land and 20 square miles (52 km²) of it (3.65%) is water.
Q & A:
Mark Dessauer
Dan Gallagher
Winters Mabry
Watch Entire Interview:
Watch Individual Interview Questions:
What is the Active Living by Design 5 P model? (Mark Dessauer)
How does the Transportation Department make a difference in a fit community? (Dan Gallagher)
How do past designs make for a healthier future for our communities? (Dan Gallagher)
What would you like to see for the future of Mecklenburg County? (Winters Mabry)
