Lombard continues assessing community’s health

The Tri-Town YMCA in Lombard is working to evaluate data from a community survey about what residents need from policymakers to achieve healthier lifestyles.

While survey results are not available yet, the YMCA gathered about 15 residents from different Lombard neighborhoods Wednesday night to look over the surveys and share ideas they believe would encourage healthy eating and increased physical activity.

The meeting was one of several remaining in the process of determining Lombard’s community healthy living index, which measures organizational support for healthy eating and activity, YMCA Executive Director Joanne Mitrenga said.

The index will guide a leadership team assembled by the YMCA that will suggest how schools, after-school program sites, workplaces and neighborhoods can be changed to promote more motion and better food choices.

Residents suggested making improvements to the Great Western Trail, adding more water fountains and portable toilets to parks and promoting block parties to get neighbors outside.

Jackie Hamilton, who lives in the neighborhood near Madison Elementary School, said she promotes physical activity by having her kids walk to school every day warmer than 30 degrees.

Bill Heniff, director of community development, said some resident suggestions — such as improving the Great Western Trail — match the village’s plans. He said the village will set aside capital improvement funds in coming years to build a bridge for the trail and add lighting.

“It’s projects like this that also foster connectivity and active living,” Heniff said.

Resident Brigitte Baur suggested increasing available garden plot space to promote healthy eating. Baur also is leading parents in Lombard Elementary District 44 who are working with administrators to improve the nutritional value of school lunches.

“I keep hoping those large tracts of land around our schools could be put to better use,” possibly as garden plots for growing vegetables, Baur said.

Mitrenga said the YMCA needs to hold another meeting with residents and businesses before the leadership team can develop suggestions.