Pinal Creek Trail HIA

The Gila County Division of Health and Emergency Management and Paramount Public Health Services conducted an HIA of a proposed trail along a portion of the Pinal Creek Basin in Globe, Arizona. The HIA explored potential health impacts associated with physical activity, community enrichment and civic pride, social cohesion, vehicle trips, public and personal safety, and economic benefits. The HIA engaged community stakeholders through a series of structured meetings and open forums as well as a survey that was distributed via web link and hardcopy.

The HIA concluded that the trail would have an overall positive impact on the health of Globe and Gila County residents, would provide a safe route for pedestrians and cyclists, and would increase property values. The HIA included recommendations to maximize the health benefits, including staging community events to increase utilization and promote physical activity, installing wayfinding signage, and identifying and prioritizing improvements to increase access to the trail.

Funding for the HIA was provided by the National Centers for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion.