Provide occupants access to an outdoor walking trail

Rationale: Local outdoor walking trails that are a sufficient length, reserved for pedestrians, feature natural elements, and separate from nearby activity, provide opportunities for relaxation, physical activity and exposure to nature — contributing to decreased risk of chronic cardiovascular conditions as well as psychological conditions such as stress, anxiety and depression.

Requirements

Demonstrate compliance with one of the options below:

Option 1 - Outdoor Walking Trail (Full Credit):

Demonstrate compliance with the following requirement:

Senior Housing

1. Provide access to an outdoor walking trail for independent and assisted living facilities that is located on-site or within a 1/4-mile or 400-meter walking route of a main building entrance.

2. For facilities with a memory care community, provide access to an outdoor walking trail that is located within one of the following:

• a secure and enclosed area within the project
• a 1/4-mile or 400-meter walking route of a main building entrance and requires residents to be accompanied by a staff member.

3. The identified trail is a minimum of 1/8 mile or 200 meters long in one direction.

4. The identified trail is connected to natural elements such as trees, vegetation, or water bodies.

5. The identified trail is separated from a motor vehicle right-of-way and is uninterrupted by vehicular traffic, street crossings, or driveways.

Sidewalks do not qualify as walking trails for this strategy.

6. Confirm that the outdoor walking trail is free of charge to all occupants.

7. Advertise information on the health benefits of walking and directions for users to cover a minimum of 1/4 mile or 400 meters in a continuous loop through one of the following:

• newsletters
• signage or distance markers
• flyers or printed materials.

Option 2 - Outdoor Walking Trail for Assisted Living and Independent Residents Only (Partial Credit):

Demonstrate compliance with the following requirement:

Senior Housing, Memory Care Community

1. Provide access to an outdoor walking trail for independent and assisted living facilities that is located on-site or within a 1/4-mile or 400-meter walking route of a main building entrance.

2. The identified trail is a minimum of 1/8 mile or 200 meters long in one direction.

3. The identified trail is connected to natural elements such as trees, vegetation, or water bodies.

4. The identified trail is separated from a motor vehicle right-of-way and is uninterrupted by vehicular traffic, street crossings, or driveways.

Sidewalks do not qualify as walking trails for this strategy.

5. Confirm that the outdoor walking trail is free of charge to all occupants.

6. Advertise information on the health benefits of walking and directions for users to cover a minimum of 1/4 mile or 400 meters in a continuous loop through one of the following:

• newsletters
• signage or distance markers
• flyers or printed materials.

Compliance Documentation

Types of compliance documentation required:

• Certified statements
• Annotated photographs
• Annotated design drawings
• Annotated maps
• Annotated plans