National, Regional and Local Experts Will Discuss How Pedestrian-Friendly Designs Can Create Pathways To Expand Tulsa’s Economy
TULSA, OK – [October 3, 2014] – The Tulsa Health Department is proud to sponsor Walk to the Future, an upcoming summit hosted by the local Accessible Transportation Coalition that will bring national and regional land use and urban design experts to Tulsa to discuss the connection between walkable environments and economic prosperity. The event will take place on Tuesday, October 14, from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the OU-Tulsa Learning Center, Perkins Auditorium, 4502 E. 41st St.
The Accessible Transportation Coalition is hosting Walk to the Future as part of the group’s ongoing commitment to making accessible paths of travel a hallmark of the Tulsa community. Topics will include: how pedestrian friendly environments create paths to economic development, the link between health and walkable environments, creating accessibility through universal design which is important for all residents, but critical for persons with disabilities, and how walkable designs make communities more livable for families and children.
“We’re putting together some of the best minds in the field of walkability and economic development to talk to local leaders about the value of placemaking through walkability,” said James Wagner, principal transportation planner at INCOG, a member of the Accessible Transportation Coalition. “We expect well over 100 people to attend to learn how to make Tulsa a safer, more accessible place for pedestrians.”
Featured speakers include Chuck Marohn, president and co-founder of Strong Towns, and Ian Carlton from the OU Institute for Quality Communities. The mission of Strong Towns is to support a model of growth that allows America’s cities, towns, and neighborhoods to become financially strong and resilient.
The event is open to the public and developers, planners, architects, elected officials, and others involved in creating or advocating for the multi-modal transportation systems and the built environment in the Tulsa area are especially encouraged to attend. Participants will experience the built environment first hand as they walk to restaurants around the OU Schusterman campus, and then discuss their observations over lunch. There is no cost to attend but space is limited. Attendees are encouraged to preregister online at www.tulsasidewalkstories.com, but can also register in person on the day of the event beginning at 8 a.m.
Additional sponsors include the Tulsa County Wellness Partnership, Tulsa Transit, Tulsa Young Professionals (TYPros), INCOG, Shape Your Future, the OU Society of Urban Design Students (SUDS), and the Oklahoma Chapter of the American Planning Association.
