Pascagoula: 2014 Healthy HometownSituated on the scenic shoreline of the Mississippi Gulf Coast, the City of Pascagoula boasts a plethora of outdoor recreational opportunities on its more than 200 acres of parks, streams and lakes. As a result of making outdoor active lifestyles and community health a priority, combined with the efforts of the Pascagoula Healthy Hometown Committee, the city won a Healthy Hometown award for its population category in 2014. Pascagoula proudly became one of the first Mississippi municipalities to adopt a Complete Streets policy to ensure roadways are designed for the safety of walkers, runners and cyclists. The policy is making a difference in the community as heavily traveled Beach Boulevard along the Beachfront Promenade has seen a significant increase in the number of pedestrians and exercise enthusiast. Local businesses appreciate the value of healthy employees and many provide a variety of worksite wellness programs. In alignment with the city’s no smoking ordinance, Huntington Ingalls Industries offers a free tobacco cessation program to its more than 10,000 employees. Chevron Pascagoula Refinery provides an onsite medical clinic and fitness center, and recently implemented “Fitness for Duty,” a program designed to enhance worker health and wellness. Weekend fun is never far away as the Pascagoula School District sponsors kid-themed “Healthy, Wealthy Super Saturdays” featuring interactive fitness activities and hands-on learning for parents and children. These popular family events are free and open to the public as they focus on the health and well-being of children while challenging their motor skills, balance, and overall fitness levels. With themes ranging from “sailing the high seas” to “animals of the wetlands” to the “wide world of sports,” children have fun while learning about healthy nutrition, how smoking affects the lungs, and the importance of physical activity. Through its Healthy Hometown Pascagoula webpage on the city’s website, the community can access information about farmers’ markets, healthy recipes, fitness and recreation groups and local health clubs and fitness centers. With the $25,000 grant award, Pascagoula plans to enhance the city’s bike trails and provide kayaking and canoeing opportunities at the River Blueway recreational development. |
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Sidewalk will link major hubs on C.T. Switzer 4-22-2016 | City of Biloxi Construction begins next week on a 10-foot wide, 3,000-foot long sidewalk that will link Edgewater Mall, Walmart and hundreds of nearby apartments on the south side of C.T. Switzer Drive The new walkway, which also connects CTA bus stops along Switzer Drive, will stretch from Eisenhower Drive to DeBuys Road and is being built with $360,000 in federal, state and local funds. The work is expected to be completed in July. |