In this People and Projects episode of Streets and People,Wendy speaks with Anna Gurnhill about the Healthy Active by Design initiative, exploring its origins and the significant impact it has on urban planning and community health.
Anna explains how built environments can encourage physical activity and improve heart health, focusing on key principles like walkability, mixed-use land development, and community advocacy.
Anna reflects on her career from cultural geography to active transportation, sharing the Heart Foundation's motivation behind the initiative and its guidelines for creating healthier, more liveable communities. She alsooutlines successful case studies, recent research, and upcoming resources for professionals and community members working to build more walkable and heart-healthy neighbourhoods.
The conversation also highlights the complexities of transport in peri-urban areas and the critical role of community involvement in advocating for better urban designs. Anna’s insights provide a clear frameworkfor anyone working to create cities that prioritise health and accessibility and community members wanting more walkable places.
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