During the winter, staying active and healthy in the cold weather can be more difficult than usual. However, programmers of a new initiative called Health in the Park are using these months to build a healthier community in St. Louis Park, according to organizational development coordinator Bridget Gothberg.

“The purpose is to bring together the community to talk about well-being and connectedness,” Gothberg said. “We want to help people get to know their neighbors, live more active lifestyles and accomplish other abstract goals.”

The program, which has been in planning for almost two years, is funded by a Blue Cross Blue Shield grant. Out of over 100 applicants, Blue Cross Blue Shield chose St. Louis Park as one of nine grant recipients.

Health in the Park will kick off through input meetings, in which members of the community will determine the biggest health issues the city faces, and how to best solve them. These meetings are scheduled for Feb. 20 at the Marriott West Hotel and March 2 at Central Community Center. Students are encouraged to attend these meetings to give their input.

After programmers complete the first year of input in the project, they plan to spend the next two years working to fulfill the goals most important to the community.

Gothberg said the program will adapt to help residents target the issues they agree are the most important to solve.

“It’s hard to say what issues we’ll address. We’re hearing that people want opportunities to walk more, so in that neighborhood people said they wanted help forming a walking club,” she said.

As part of the city initiative, the school will play a small role, according to Superintendent Rob Metz.

“I’m in charge of school-related topics, like how much health is taught in school, how physical exercise there is, school nutrition, and special projects,” Metz said. “(The school is) part of the program, but we’re not leading it.”

In response to this idea, students have different opinions on the health issues the program should target and the impact it might have.

Junior Alexander Renne said he thinks a city-wide program should promote health among high school students, including offering healthier lunch options.

“The school lunches should implement lots of veggies. It would improve behavior, and be healthier as well,” he said.

However, junior John Medeiros said he thinks promoting healthy choices could have a bigger impact on children not yet in high school.

“It would open up a lot of opportunities for the younger generation,” Medeiros said. “There are more of them nearby, and they will grow up with (Health in the Park).”

Community outreach coordinator Jean Olson said she is amazed by the results the program has offered so far.

“Over the last three to four months on the project I’m kind of in awe,” Olson said. “We’ve had the opportunity to dig down into the city, and the commitment (has been) inspiring.”

Gothberg said she expects students and youth members of the community to play a large role in the program.

“We have done focus groups with young people,” Gothberg said. “We’re open to come into health classes or social studies classes and discuss ideas. We want to find out how to make it happen.”