Community + Active Lifestyles Louisiana communities encounter more challenges than just flood risk, when it comes to increasing long-term resiliency. Local resiliency can also be threatened by environmental hazards, such as industrial pollution; social issues, such as income inequality; and chronic health conditions, such as obesity, diabetes, and hypertension. Communities can experience threats to their economic stability. The community of Denham Springs recognizes these risks and created action steps in the long-term recovery plan to address these challenges. Denham Springs’ multiple strategies include encouraging active, healthy lifestyles through park enhancement, and beautification (Denham Strong, pg. 50). The design of the built environment (ie: buildings, streets, parks, or open-space) can facilitate or hinder active lifestyles, opportunities for social interaction, and stormwater management. For example, through designing safe networks for walking and biking, Denham Springs can encourage residents to use active means of transportation that improve individual and community physical health through increased exercise and reduced air pollution. Parks, open spaces, and transit stops can be designed as scenic, peaceful areas where families and friends can gather together, which can improve mental health and social cohesion within the community. Parks and trails can also be designed to store stormwater during heavy rains. Together these actions− strengthening social cohesion, reducing flood risk, increasing community health and wellbeing, and raising property values through park improvements−will help improve community resilience to future storm events.
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Denham Springs Resilience
