Cutler Bay Earns Florida APA’s Innovation in Planning for All Ages Award
August 11, 2020
The Florida Chapter of the American Planning Association (APA) has named the Town of Cutler Bay as the winner of their Innovation in Planning for All Ages Award for 2020, which recognizes the Town’s efforts in becoming an age-friendly community.
A part of APA’s 2020 Project Awards, the Innovation in Planning for All Ages Award recognizes innovative planning in meeting the needs of the 50+ population. Some of the criteria that nominees are judged on include initiatives such as the implementation of pedestrian infrastructure; innovative transportation programs that increase senior mobility; and outdoor spaces projects fostering intergenerational and multi-cultural connection and socialization.
With the guidance of the Town Council, the Town’s Communities For A Lifetime (CFAL) Committee, and Town Staff, Cutler Bay has seen great improvements for the 50+ community. Some of the highlights the Town has implemented to become a more age-friendly community include: the installation of outdoor fitness equipment in Town parks to ensure access for people of all ages and abilities; the expansion of the local circulator bus route to operate seven days a week with more stops at places of interest for senior residents; a partnership with the South Dade Cultural Arts Center offering seniors discounted $5 ticket pricing for live performances; and hosting over 30 events, workshops and social gatherings for the 50+ community every year.
“When I first introduced the resolution to adopt the CFAL initiative in 2010, I never imagined we would be a leader in the State of Florida in developing this concept,” stated Mayor Tim Meerbott. “Much credit is due to our Vice Mayor Sue Ellen Loyzelle, who has spearheaded this initiative, as well as all of the members of our CFAL Committee, who have gone to great lengths to improve our community for the sake of all our residents.”
“We developed the Age-Friendly Action plan to make the life of our residents richer, more engaged and easier,” expressed Vice Mayor Loyzelle. “The process of intently listening to our residents’ feedback on ways we can improve, crafting a thorough plan to put that feedback to work, and then implementing those services and programs has been rewarding in and of itself. To be recognized by the APA for our efforts is the icing on the cake—we are so proud to set the example on how other communities can become more age-friendly.”
The Town’s journey to become a more age-friendly community began in 2010 when the Town Council adopted a resolution—sponsored by Mayor Meerbott, who was a Council Member at the time—to join the Florida Department of Elder Affairs’ Communities for a Lifetime Initiative. Two years later, the Town established a CFAL Committee, led by Vice Mayor Loyzelle, to develop a Senior Needs Assessment to determine services important for seniors’ independence and care. Recommendations from the Assessment were incorporated in the Town’s comprehensive Master Plan and led to the creation of the Town’s Age-Friendly Action Plan.
The Town became the second municipality in all of Florida to join the AARP® Network of Age-Friendly Communities and States through their Age-Friendly Action Plan, which was approved by the World Health Organization. The Town’s Action Plan has also received recognition from U.S. Congresswoman Donna Shalala, Florida Senate’s Jose Javier Rodriguez and from the Miami-Dade County Board of County Commissioners.
Florida APA's 2020 Project Award ceremony will be held virtually on September 9. Information to view the ceremony will be announced soon—sign up to receive the Town's e-news here. For additional information, please contact Town Hall at (305) 234-4262 or visit www.cutlerbay-fl.gov.
###
