Georgia Department of Public Health

This HIA examined the creation of a wellness park on the site of a former health department building. The proposed wellness park would feature an exercise course, outdoor classrooms, raised vegetable gardens, and wetland trails. This HIA examined the health impact of the proposed wellness park on potential users, adjacent residents, and land development. The wellness park planning committee is using the HIA findings and recommendations to develop a proposal for the Chatham County Commission.

This HIA assessed the benefits of expanding the Metro Atlanta Regional Transit Authority System (MARTA) into Clayton County to allow easier access (particularly for underserved populations) to employment, healthcare, and education. Clayton County residents are 82% percent Black/African American and/or Hispanic/Latino, with almost 25% below the age of 15, and 22% living below the poverty level. The HIA recommendations given to MARTA included specific bus stop locations, appropriate traffic signals, and improved pedestrian safety features. MARTA has expanded bus transit in Clayton County and is placing more emphasis on community input. Georgia DPH will continue to assess community health impacts of the expansion.

This HIA identified health impact considerations for a proposed 300-acre park. A former granite quarry along Atlanta’s proposed BeltLine is the suggested location for a 1.9 billion gallon water reservoir and a new park. This HIA helped establish community concerns and environmental impacts of the park proposal. HIA findings were given to the BeltLine committee. Georgia DPH is waiting to hear if the committee will adopt the HIA recommendations.