Wright County: Walkability of Cokato

By Corrine Aarestad, Cassie Nordstrom, Abby Spielman, Jamie Kollar, Pete Imdieke, Mike Schlicht, Jennifer Miller, Rose Weinzetl, Lindsay Schauer Faculty Sponsors: Brenda Lenz, PhD, RN, Vonna Henry RN, MPH, Melinda Hiemenz, RN, PhD

Significance: Supportive neighborhood environments, such as access to sidewalks, have the potential to influence participation in walking and activity . Respondents individual beliefs and neighborhood perception are significantly associated with walking. There is a greater feeling of connectivity with increased interaction and access to resources through improved neighborhood connection.

Problem : Walkability is not well-studied in Cokato and is not included in the SHIP grant for Wright County.

Conclusion: There is a problem with a lack of benches and crosswalks in the community of Cokato, resulting in decreased walkability. Improving walkability could increase social interaction and improve health, while leading to improved environmental conditions. Further research should be done using replication with a larger sample size, focusing on the areas outside of town (sections 1 and 3).

Findings: Section 1 respondents perceived more need for improved walkability compared to respondents from sections 2 and 3. The main reason residents of Cokato walk is for physical activity (83% either agreed or strongly agreed) and recreation (83%) compared to as a means of transportation (25%). The strongest perceived barriers are lack of benches (77%) and lack of sidewalks (56%) as compared to the condition of sidewalks (48%) or lack of pedestrian crosswalks (47%). Residents perceived there to be a sufficient amount of sidewalks (67%). 45% of respondents indicated they would walk more if designated routes existed with distance indicated. Respondents perceived that they could benefit from increasing the number of sidewalks (71%).

Section 1: North Section 2: Central Section 3: South

Implications: When looking at environmental implications, our research indicated that the town of Cokato could benefit from more benches and sidewalks as a whole. Section 1 showed the strongest desire for improvements in walkability. When the environment facilitates walkability, the social implications include residents interacting outdoors and participating in community events. This could result in a healthier community with an increase in physical exercise. Politically, increasing funding and raising community support would result in potential improvements in walkability.

Methodology: A convenience sample was done of Cokato residents. A 21-question survey was distributed. 63 surveys were completed and all were used for data analysis.

Question 2. I walk as a means of transportation. Question 3. I walk for recreational purposes (socialization, relaxation, fresh air). Question 4. I walk for physical activity and exercise.

Question 5. I believe there are a lack of sidewalks in Cokato. Question 6. I believe there are a lack of pedestrian crosswalks in Cokato. Question 7. I believe there are a lack of benches in Cokato. Question 8. I believe that the condition of the sidewalks are a barrier to walking in the town of Cokato.

Question 1. I believe the town of Cokato has a sufficient amount of sidewalks to get to and from where I want to go. Question 9. I would walk more if there were designated routes with the distance indicated in Cokato. Question 10. I think Cokato would benefit from increasing the number of sidewalks.