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City of Arden Hills-Comprehensive Plan- DRAFT <br /> 4. ACTIVE LIVING <br /> Goal. Enhance the health, safety, and well-being of all residents, workers, and <br /> visitors. <br /> In 2005, the City received a grant from Blue Cross Blue Shield of Minnesota to <br /> incorporate active living principles into the City's into the Comprehensive Plan. The <br /> purpose of the grant was to encourage cities to create a natural and built <br /> environment that encourages more physical activity and, subsequently, leads to an <br /> increase in overall public health. There is no single solution to increasing physical <br /> activity or public health, and the City does not seek to change personal choices. <br /> However, the City can work to remove obstacles to physical activity and increase <br /> opportunities for healthy living choices. <br /> 4.1 Active Living Principles <br /> Active living is a way of life that integrates physical activity into daily routines. <br /> Removing obstacles in the built environment and encouraging a built <br /> environment that promotes physical activity can be achieved through the <br /> planning process. Blue Cross Blue Shield of Minnesota's goal is to accumulate <br /> at least 30 minutes of activity for each person each day. Individuals may achieve <br /> this by walking or bicycling for transportation, exercise or pleasure; playing in <br /> the park; working in the yard; taking the stairs; and using recreational facilities. <br /> In committing to promote and increase physical activity, the following principles <br /> serve as a guide to advancing the active living movement: <br /> 1. Physical activity is a behavior that can favorably improve health and quality <br /> of life. <br /> 2. Everyone, regardless of age, gender, sexual orientation, language, ethnicity, <br /> economic status or ability, should have safe, convenient and affordable <br /> choices for physical activity. <br /> 3. Places should be designed to provide a variety of opportunities for physical <br /> activity and should accommodate a wide range of individual preferences and <br /> abilities. <br /> 4. Development patterns should encourage mixed uses and compact design <br /> where appropriate as well as a variety of transportation choices. <br /> DRAFT 15 <br /> 3/14/2008 <br />