Dayton honored as "healthy city"

DAYTON, Ohio (WDTN) - Dayton was among nine cities, one township and four counties honored by the Ohio Department of Health for promoting good health among residents.

“Dayton has taken a number of steps to make it easier for residents to walk and bike, and even more actions will be taken in the years ahead as we continue to implement the Livable Streets policy,” said Mayor Gary Leitzell in a news release.

Dayton's recreation trails and bike lanes, as well as future plans for biking and walking enhancements, helped Dayton secure the health honor. Ohio officials also took note of Dayton's community gardens and urban agriculture as well as low-cost community centers and participation in Montgomery County’s GetUP program.

Healthy Ohio-Healthy Community awards recognize communities’ outstanding achievements in developing and implementing health-related policies, and providing healthy community environments.

The 2012 Healthy Ohio-Healthy Community award winners are:
Platinum: City of Westerville and City of Warren.
Gold: City of Columbus; City of Springdale; and City of Wilmington.
Silver: City of Dayton; Liberty Township (Delaware County); City of Mansfield; Tuscarawas County; and Lake County.
Bronze: Holmes County; City of Mentor; City of Findlay; Marion County.