Commission on Aging September speaker to focus on designing walkable communities

Gary Pagenstecher, a planner with the City of Tigard in Oregon, will discuss how land use decisions can determine mobility options

VANCOUVER — Most suburbs are not designed with aging residents in mind. Homes are separated from other buildings, goods and services, increasing dependence on driving. The distances between residential and commercial areas, combined with the absence of sidewalks, discourage walking as a mode of transportation or physical activity.

Area residents can learn more about designing walkable communities at the next meeting of the Commission on Aging, 4:30 p.m. Tue., Sept 18.

The meeting will be in the sixth-floor Hearing Room of the Public Service Center, 1300 Franklin St. It is open to the public.

Gary Pagenstecher, a planner with the City of Tigard in Oregon, will discuss how land use decisions can determine our mobility options and how Tigard is planning to become the most walkable community in the Pacific Northwest.

The Sep. 18 discussion is the sixth meeting this year focused on transportation, especially for people 60 and older. Transportation allows residents of all ages and abilities to connect with others and maintain independence and is the hallmark of a livable community.  For a schedule of topics, go to www.clark.wa.gov/community-planning/2018-transportation-speaker-series.

The Commission on Aging, supported by the Clark County Council, is a nine-member volunteer group that implements the Aging Readiness Plan and provides leadership addressing needs of aging community members.

For more about the commission, visit www.clark.wa.gov/community-planning/commission-aging.