Many communities talk about creating a healthy environment through wellness initiatives, but this week some Lamoille County towns are both talking the talk and walking the walk. They've invited Mark Fenton, former host of the public television show America's Walking, to conduct downtown "walking audits."
Fenton will be giving a free presentation in Morrisville Wednesday afternoon. The talk is aimed at municipal officials, teachers, healthcare workers and healthy community advocates. In addition to giving a presentation, Fenton will lead a walking audit to gauge the village's pedestrian friendliness.
With the recent opening of the Morrisville Bypass, truck traffic has been all but eliminated in the village center. The town has been working on making its village a pedestrian-centered area, with a focus on shopping and services.
Neighboring Wolcott has also focused on creating a walkable village center, since moving its municipal offices from busy Route 15 to the former school property adjacent to the up-and-coming Lamoille Valley Rail Trail. While in Vermont, Fenton will be conducting a walking audit in Wolcott as well.
Wednesday's event is sponsored by Healthy Lamoille Valley, Lamoille County Planning Commission, Lamoille Economic Development Corporation and the Vermont Department of Health.
