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REGULAR MEETING October 23, 2017
<br /> Robin Vida, Director of Health Education, St. Joseph County Health Department, with offices on
<br /> the 81" and 9t'Floor of the County-City Building, South Bend, IN, stated, We know that less than
<br /> half of our County residents meet physical activity recommendations. We know people that live
<br /> closer to parks and have park development throughout a geographical location have three (3)
<br /> times the likelihood that they will be more physically active, which ultimately leads to better
<br /> overall wellbeing. This investment is a long-term investment in public health and ultimately the
<br /> health of our County.
<br /> Mara Trionfero, 913 Wayne Street, South Bend, IN, stated that she is excited for the
<br /> improvements that would come to the parks as a result of this project. Ms. Trionfero stated that
<br /> she recently visited Pulaski Park and was disappointed by the number of needs it had. She stated
<br /> that she appreciated that in looking at the plan, she could see that there was an emphasis—in the
<br /> ten(10) minute walk concept—on high quality parks. She stated, I'm hoping that this really will
<br /> just level the playing field, so that not only are we within ten(10) minutes of walking—or long-
<br /> biking—we are getting the high quality that we deserve.
<br /> Willow Wetherall, 817 Harrison Avenue, South Bend, IN, stated that great parks have been a
<br /> very important part of her family's life. Ms. Wetherall stated, I'm excited to see this investment
<br /> in our parks,because I want South Bend—not only for current generations, but for future
<br /> generations—to have remarkable assets in its parks system.
<br /> John Roush, 21260 Baneberry Trail, South Bend, IN, stated that the new plan should make the
<br /> parks more enjoyable and safer for everyone. Mr. Roush also stated that he looks forward to the
<br /> increase in business that should come about due to the new plan.
<br /> Kathy Heiderman, 51889 East Gatehouse Drive, South Bend, IN, stated that she loves the new
<br /> biking trail from Angela Boulevard, down Darden, and through the East Race. Ms. Heiderman
<br /> stated that when people ask where they can walk, she suggests South Bend's downtown
<br /> walkways. She also suggested potentially snowshoeing or cross-country skiing on the bike pass.
<br /> Juan Constantino, 746 South Meade Street, South Bend, IN, stated, I think it will be a big step
<br /> for the youth in our community to know that they have the same opportunity and a nice park, in
<br /> their eyes, in their neighborhood.
<br /> Jeff Rae, President and CEO of South Bend Regional Chamber of Commerce, 101 North
<br /> Michigan Street, South Bend, IN, stated that he was present on behalf of the business community
<br /> of South Bend to show their support for this project. Mr. Rae stated, As your economic
<br /> development partner,we see firsthand how important these kinds of improvements are to a
<br /> community. When we studied communities across the country, it was the investment they made
<br /> in quality-of-place improvements that really helped move the needle.
<br /> Regina Emberton, President of the South Bend-Elkhart Regional Partnership, 4477 Progress
<br /> Drive, South Bend, IN, stated, South Bend, like so many cities across the Midwest, faces one (1)
<br /> of the biggest economic development threats, which is population stagnation. In order to ensure
<br /> the future economic and wage growth that we desire, South Bend must retain and attract an
<br /> adequate level of new talent. The State and the Regional Development Authority believe that this
<br /> is the kind of project that will enhance and enrich our communities: arts, culture,recreation,
<br /> innovation, and connectivity. We know that it will help attract talent and be a catalyst for private
<br /> investment in the City. Talent attraction and retention is so critical,that it's been named as one
<br /> (1) of five (5)key pillars in our economic development strategy, with the ultimate goal to
<br /> transform net out-migration—which is now nearly double the State's average of two (2)people
<br /> per every thousand (1,000)per year leaving—to a positive in-migration by 2025. One (1) of the
<br /> key strategies in retaining and attracting good talent is to enhance the desirability of the region
<br /> through increased community spaces, diverse housing choices, and connectivity among our
<br /> communities. The Blueways project is an example of how we can do this. At this moment, many
<br /> employers in our region are struggling to find the talent that they need to fill open jobs and to
<br /> advance their companies. By supporting projects like the Blueways initiative,we can take a step
<br /> forward in retaining and attracting the kind of talent that will make us a world-class community
<br /> and economy.
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