South Bronx Greenway will provide open space and recreational access to the waterfront for this underserved, low income, and multicultural community (largely Latino and African American). The project area has a 27% incidence of adult obesity, a 14% incidence of diabetes and six times the national rate of asthma.

The greenway will include a 4-mile waterfront esplanade, adjacent pocket parks, park-like streetscapes along routes to the greenway, and street changes that includes traffic calming and improved crossings. Dedicated on-street bikeways at numerous access points connecting to the greenway are planned.

Working with pediatric health care providers, a community outreach and social marketing program will be developed to promote physical activity and the emerging greenway to the community, the local schools, community organizations and major area employers.

A community transportation plan has been developed to re-route truck traffic to improve pedestrian safety, promote walking and improve air quality issues. Community partners are advocating for decommissioning an under-utilized highway to free up 28 acres for alternative community use. Opportunities to increase pedestrian and bicycle access to a large recreational sports complex are also planned.

The project will provide an opportunity for community leaders to define the links among community design, land use, transportation, open space, and recreational access that influence healthier lifestyles. It demonstrates, among other things, a productive combination of environmental justice, community development and active living strategies.

This organization was one of 25 demonstration projects selected by Active Living by Design, a national program of The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF).