POLICY CHANGE IS THE DRIVING FORCE BEHIND BLUE ZONES PROJECT TRANSFORMATION.
We work with local leadership to enact policy that changes the environment for positive and sustainable impact.
Optimizing the built environment and food, tobacco, and alcohol policies is a high-impact, cost-effective strategy to reduce chronic disease and raise well-being. While much of a healthy lifestyle is a result of personal choice, healthy changes on a policy level have a broad impact that influences personal choice across the community.
With this approach, individuals can see tangible transformation taking place in their lives: from the buildings they work in, to the streets and paths they navigate, to the foods available for them to buy and eat.
Blue Zones Project Jacksonville also addresses tobacco and alcohol policy. We work with sponsors and partners to define community priorities and champion changes that support those goals, from retail policy to smoke-free public spaces.
Progress becomes apparent in the community surroundings—at the individual and neighborhood level—ultimately creating a healthier culture in your city, which further grows support and enhances results.
Smoke Free Parks
The City of Jacksonville has unanimously passed a Smoke-Free Park ordinance, prohibiting smoking in Jacksonville’s parks. We are proud to usher in a healthier era with the introduction of Smoke-Free Parks, allowing Jacksonville’s parks to be places of well-being, recreation, and community bonding.
Traffic Gardens
A Traffic Garden is a colorful version of city streets designed with elements like crosswalks, roundabouts, stop signs, and bike lanes, that allow kids to practice real-world traffic scenarios without the risks of being near cars.
At the same time, the court remains a space for recreation. The design includes updated basketball lines, four square grids, and new game markings ensuring that play continues seamlessly when the traffic garden isn’t in use.
Jacksonville Traffic Garden Locations:
- John E. Ford Pre K-8 School, 32209.
