In 2006, a coalition called Boone County Fit for Life (BCFFL) was formed as a result of the Iowa Department of Public Health (IDPH) being approached by ISU Extension Services and Boone County Public Health with a $10,000 grant and the challenge of improving access to physical activity and/or to fruits and vegetables. As a result, the Boone Middle School Track was completed to promote physical activity among school aged children and the community.
In September 2006, IDPH teamed up with the Iowa Network for Community Agriculture (INCA) and approached Boone County again with another opportunity for the community to increase activity and access to locally grown produce. The BCFFL Coalition started with a number of projects of interest and narrowed the focus on a Safe Routes to School Program. The Coalition was awarded funds as part of the National Governor's Association to carry out this plan. Only 13 states were awarded this grant and Boone County was one of only three in Iowa.
The vision of the BCFFL Coalition is to create a route that not only links all schools together, but links attractions like the library, swimming pool, parks and recreation building, little league park, and various other parks throughout Boone. By linking attractions in addition to schools, the use of the routes will be maximized year round by the entire community and not just students. Boone is an established community full of mature trees and beautiful parks that also entice the community to utilize the safe routes. This is an overall ambitious effort that will likely require phasing, but upon completion, will be an asset to the community. |