Scott County staff and partner agencies on Oct. 21 briefed the County Board on a coordinated effort to promote active lifestyles in parks, with a focus on changing demographics and an aging population.

Presenters included County staff and partners: Julie Hansen (Property and Customer Service Manager, Scott County), Brittney Lane (Director, Aging and Disability Services, Scott County), Nate Thomas (Design Manager, Transportation Services), Greg Boatman (Public Works and Parks & Recreation Director, City of Savage), Lisa Brodsky (Public Health Director, Scott County), Patty Freeman (Parks Program Manager, Scott County), Casey Stachutich (SHIP coordinator), Julie Jacobson (Community Program Coordinator, Scott County Library) and Thomas Gericke (Strategic Programs Manager, Parks and Trails). The packet summarized local programs, partnerships and demographic trends for residents aged 55 and older.

Nut graf: County staff emphasized that no single agency can fully ensure residents have access to safe, meaningful physical activity. The presentation highlighted cross‑sector collaboration—parks, public health, libraries, school districts, watershed and nonprofit partners—to expand access, leverage grant funds and design multi‑generational programming that helps older adults stay active and connected.

Programs and partnerships cited

- Adaptive recreation: Cities and county parks partner with regional providers (Special Olympics, 3 Rivers) to offer adaptive programming and equipment access for residents with disabilities; partners may loan equipment for programs.
- Let's Go Fishing: A local chapter provides free boat rides and hosts about 1,000 rides annually for older adults and people with mobility limitations; county parks provide storage and a landing site that reduces operational cost for the nonprofit.
- SHIP (Statewide Health Improvement Partnership): Funded projects included fitness courts, outdoor play opportunities for childcare, worksite wellness support and partnerships with libraries to make snowshoes, pickleball nets and paddles available for checkout.
- Library programs: "Reminisce" and other outreach bring books, games and activities into senior housing and memory‑care facilities; the library’s mobile services and equipment lending expand access to physical activities and social programs.

Speakers and evidence

Greg Boatman of Savage said collaboration is “crucial” and described Savage’s adaptive recreation partnerships and facility programming. Parks staff described new programs—walk groups, pop‑up fitness courts, edible landscapes and multi‑use playgrounds—designed to engage multiple generations together and reduce barriers to participation (drop‑in options, reduced registration friction, proximity to playgrounds and trails). Public health said county data show higher self‑reported physical activity among older adults in some measures, prompting further study into equity and outreach to underrepresented groups (for example, lower activity reported among Hispanic/Latino respondents in the resident survey).

Board members asked about county roles and metrics to track progress, and staff recommended using resident surveys, community health assessment outcomes and participation figures to measure success. Commissioners urged continued intergovernmental coordination and outreach strategies—library and SHIP partnerships, neighborhood‑level marketing and volunteer programs to support older adults using parks and trails.

Ending note

Staff will continue cross‑departmental work and return with follow‑up items as projects advance; commissioners encouraged more outreach and coordination with municipal park departments to avoid duplication and maximize participation.