RESOLUTION NO. RS2008-467

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 2008 will include the following events:

Walk as One on October 4
Walk to Worship on October 5
Walk to Work on October 6
Walk your Neighborhood 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

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 at least 36 schools in Nashville will join with participants worldwide for international “Walk to School Day” on October 8, 2008, 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, older adult residences and Senior Centers; and

WHEREAS, on “Walk to Lunch Day,” Walk/Bike Nashville, The Green Hills Action Partners and The Downtown Business Partnership will encourage workers and walkers in Green Hills and Downtown Nashville 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; and

WHEREAS, those Nashvillians who cannot participate in these listed events during Walk Nashville Week, or realize the benefits of walking for health are encouraged to walk to work on October 6, around their neighborhood on October 7, or just a little farther from their cars, and

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

Section 1. The Metropolitan Council hereby goes on record as proclaiming October 4 through 10, 2008, as Walk Nashville Week and October 8, 2008, as Walk to School Day.

Section 2. The Metropolitan Council Office further proclaims October 8, 2008, “Walk Our Children to School Day” in Nashville, Davidson County, Tennessee.

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: Jerry Maynard, Jason Holleman, Keith Durbin

LEGISLATIVE HISTORY
Referred:	Rules Committee
Introduced:	September 16, 2008
Adopted:	September 16, 2008
Approved:	September 19, 2008
By: