RESOLUTION NO. RS2003-1

A resolution proclaiming October 7 through 12, 2003, as “Walk Nashville Week” and October 8, 2003, as “Walk to School Day” in Nashville, Davidson County, Tennessee.

WHEREAS, the Metropolitan Council recognizes the importance of walking as a healthy activity for all people in our community, and the importance of making walking safer for all people, especially our children; and

WHEREAS, walking or biking instead of driving creates cleaner, safer and environmentally healthier neighborhoods; and

WHEREAS, “Walk Nashville Week” affords people the opportunity to spend more time with their children, reduces car use and traffic hazards, promotes physical activity and contributes to a safer community; and

WHEREAS, the first “Walk Nashville Week” took place in 1999 and was a resounding success; and

WHEREAS, “Walk Nashville Week” 2003 will include the following events:

Walk Somewhere! Day on October 7;
Walk To School Day on October 8;
Walk for Active Aging on October 9;
Walk To Lunch Day on October 10; and
Titan Fans Walk to the Game Day on October 12;

WHEREAS, Nashville schools are now in session and more children are walking to and from neighborhood schools ?? many of them during the time of the day when many motorists are rushing to work or heading home after a tiring day at work; and

WHEREAS, children, parents and community leaders from fifty schools in Nashville will join with participants worldwide for international “Walk to School Day” on October 8, 2003, to walk to school and evaluate pedestrian safety in their community; and

WHEREAS, Nashvillians of all ages will also take part in the Walk for Active Aging on October 9, which is encouraged worldwide by the World Health Organization to inspire senior adults to be physically active throughout their lifespan, and which will include organized walks for all generations at older adult residences and Senior Centers;

WHEREAS, on “Walk to Lunch Day”, The Green Hills Action Partners and Down Fit in the District will encourage workers and walkers to get out of the work place and walk to a restaurant for lunch. Walkers will receive discounts at participating restaurants and other added bonuses for walking during their lunch hour;

WHEREAS, those Nashvillians who cannot participate in the another event in “Walk Nashville Week”, or realize the benefits of walking for health are encouraged to walk to work, around the neighborhood, or just a little farther from their cars on “Walk Somewhere! Day,” October 7; and

WHEREAS, Walk/Bike Nashville, which is an advocacy group that has worked to promote improvements to walking and bicycling conditions since 1998, will hold their annual meeting during “Walk Nashville Week” on October 7th at 5:00 p.m. at the Civic Design Center; and

WHEREAS, for the fifth straight year, a highlight of “Walk Nashville Week” will be “Titans Fans Walk to the Game” on October 12, 2003, when the Titans fans are encouraged to park further away than usual and walk from their cars to the team’s game that day with the Houston Texans at the Coliseum;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE METROPOLITAN GOVERNMENT OF NASHVILLE AND DAVIDSON COUNTY:

Section 1. That the Metropolitan Council hereby goes on record as proclaiming October 7 through 12, 2003, as “Walk Nashville Week” and October 8, 2003, as “Walk to School Day” in Nashville, Davidson County, Tennessee.

Section 2. The Metropolitan Council is directed to prepare a copy of this Resolution to be presented to Nancy Nace, Facilitator for Community Health and Wellness Team by the Metropolitan Public Health Department.

Section 3. This Resolution shall take effect from and after its adoption, the welfare of The Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County requiring it.

Sponsored by: Ginger Hausser, Lynn Williams

LEGISLATIVE HISTORY
Referred to:	Education Committee
Introduced:	October 7, 2003
Adopted:	October 7, 2003
Approved:	October 9, 2003
By: