Monroe

Ouachita well
Tipton tours a revitalized farmers market with Ouachita Well Project Director Pamela Barton.
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Overview

Ouachita Well involved partnerships among three municipalities and a leading non-profit in the cities of Monroe and West Monroe. Project strategies were geared toward improving access to healthier food choices and physical activity opportunities within Ouachita Parish. Ouachita Well focused on infrastructure projects in urban areas and at schools, acquisition of and programming for a mobile recreation vehicle, adoption of healthy vending policies throughout the parish, and a media and school-based campaign to promote physical activity and healthy eating.

Highlights

  • Development and adoption of a vending policy by the Ouachita Parish School System, the City West Monroe, the Ouachita Parish Police Jury, and the YMCA
  • Policies covered parish schools, libraries, fire stations, the courthouse, administrative offices, recreation facilities, and after-school programs
  • Construction or renovations of walking trails or tracks at parish elementary schools
  • Development of shared used agreements for public access after school hours
  • The installation of Ouachita Parish’s first designated bike path
  • A 12 mile loop connecting several pre-existing paths throughout the City of Monroe
  • Completion of over 4 miles of sidewalks and crosswalks
  • Connecting banks, medical facilities, shopping, restaurants, and other businesses in the City of West Monroe
  • Renovations of three park/recreational areas within the parish
  • Included restrooms, picnic area, walking path, ball field, general playground/play area, parking, and construction of a pavilion
  • Mobile Fitness Program developed through the YMCA; has become a YMCA signature program
  • Mobile unit has equipment for land and water-based play
  • Instructors provide physical activity services to after school programs, churches, and other local organizations
  • Implementation of the 5-2-1-0 program
  • Presentations to classes at 6 elementary, 2 middle and 2 secondary schools; and to members of 3 churches, 9 preschools, and 14 civic/community groups
  • Reaching thousands of individuals within the parish communities

Project Partners

  • YMCA of Northeast LA
  • Ouachita Parish Police Jury
  • Ouachita Parish School Board
  • City of Monroe
  • City of West Monroe