> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://mapc.gitbook.io/healthy-community-design/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://mapc.gitbook.io/healthy-community-design/social-environment/social-places-and-spaces/community-plans.md).

# Community Plans

Community Plans set long-term goals and guide decision-making. Because these documents establish a vision for the future, they can be a very powerful tool in shaping the health of a community  

* There is strong evidence that access to natural settings in neighborhoods and during people’s daily routines improves and maintains mental health and wellbeing and can encourage increased physical activity. `i`
* There is growing evidence for the relationship between green and cultural spaces and the building of social networks. `ii`
* This relationship can be leveraged by fostering accessible parks, recreational programming, and public art that encourage bonding and bridging capital through community plans.  
* A **Comprehensive Plan** ([Learn more about Comprehensive Plans](/healthy-community-design/housing-introduction/planning-and-assessment/community-plans.md)) can chart a path for a municipality’s development amidst changing social, economic and environmental conditions. 
  * Numerous elements impact social environment, key among them are the sections focuses on **open space and recreation** ([Learn more about Open Space and Recreation Plans](/healthy-community-design/transportation/plan-for-active-transportation/community-plans.md)) and cultural resources. These sections provide an inventory of recreational and resources and open space and the significant natural, cultural and historic resources of a municipality. They represent the long-term vision for how these places and spaces are protected and managed. 
* There are a wide variety of additional plans that communities adopt, including **Greenway Plan, Bike** and/or **Pedestrian Plan**, that have implications for creating safe and active streets that encourage social interaction ([Learn more about Planning for Active Transportation](/healthy-community-design/transportation/plan-for-active-transportation.md))

**Inclusive Community Plan Checklist**

Below are some best practices to consider:

* [ ] Focus efforts to develop new and improve existing recreational opportunities, parks, and greenways near underserved neighborhoods. 
* [ ] Design park or playground amenities and recreational programming with the community to create culturally and socially sensitive places. 
* [ ] Apply ADA standards for accessible design to paths from park parking area or entrance to the edge of activity areas 
* [ ] Ensure activity areas include accessible paths and equipment for people with disabilities.  
* [ ] Plan an interconnected system of accessible open spaces. Ensure that open spaces are connected to multiple modes of transportation and are easily accessed by all residents. 
* [ ] Build and maintain sidewalk networks, and ensure that they connect to the larger community, including community open spaces. Include places for people to sit and rest.
* [ ] Ensure representation on steering or advisory committee including those that can speak to public health, as well as low-income, BIPOC, older adults and people with disabilities.

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<summary>Citations</summary>

`i` *Metropolitan Area Planning Council (2020)* [*Transit Oriented Development and Health: Update to the 2013 Health Impact Assessment to Inform Healthy Neighborhoods Equity Fund II*](https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5f31ae81bcb71e20e39311bb/t/5fc7ef8ede88f730f6d7c2ef/1606938515180/HNEF+Lit+Update+Report_11_2_2020.pdf)

`ii`  *Anne-Marie Bagnall, et al. (2018) Places, Spaces, People and Wellbeing: Full Review.* [*https://whatworkswellbeing.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/Places-spaces-people-wellbeing-full-report-MAY2018-1\_0119755600.pdf* ](<https://whatworkswellbeing.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/Places-spaces-people-wellbeing-full-report-MAY2018-1_0119755600.pdf >)

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