Evaluation results from an active living intervention in Somerville, Massachusetts.

Background: Community policies and programs can encourage active living and promote physical activity among residents. Somerville MA implemented an Active Living by Design project in 2003-2008 that promoted partnerships and advocacy to encourage physical activity.

Purpose: To evaluate the Active Living by Design project implemented in Somerville.

The path to active living: physical activity through community design in Somerville, Massachusetts.

Background: Somerville, Massachusetts, an ethnically diverse, urban community northwest of Boston, presents opportunities and challenges for active living. With a dense street grid, well-maintained sidewalks, neighborhood parks, and existing Community Path, Somerville is very walkable. However, two major surface arteries traverse and bisect neighborhoods, creating pedestrian safety and environmental justice issues.