Photo courtesy of Toole Design

We are pleased to announce that the San Fernando Safe and Active Streets Implementation Plan—created by CivicWell in collaboration with Toole Design, Public Health Advocates, and the City of San Fernando, CA—has been awarded a 2022 American Planning Association California Los Angeles Section Award under Neighborhood Planning.

This new plan builds on the Safe and Active Streets Plan published in 2017, which identified improvement projects and programs for the City to make it safer and more comfortable to walk and bicycle in San Fernando. The Implementation Plan expands on the recommendations in that 2017 plan and provides a comprehensive strategy with next steps for the City to begin implementation—identifying priority projects to make streets safer and more active, and that can be implemented in phases through maintenance projects, capital improvements projects, and through receiving state and local grants.

The public and stakeholder engagement process provided a diverse group of residents multiple opportunities to participate in the Plan’s development and to remain informed as the Plan progressed. Through virtual meetings, socially-distanced walking and bicycling audits, pop-up community charrettes, and other efforts, the project team used a multi-pronged approach to create awareness and excitement for this Plan. 

There is overwhelming community support for developing projects in San Fernando that may increase the safety and physical activity. While many residents expressed that they already regularly walk or bike, they also noted that specific improvements along busy streets will help create better connections to important destinations. 

As a result of this Plan, the City of San Fernando will be in a better position to help secure grant funding for construction and implementation. Additionally, the Plan serves as a guide to keep San Fernando engaged in proactive street safety efforts, and building community stewardship and support, for many years to come. 

This is the second time in two years that a CivicWell plan has won an APA award. In 2021, the Orange County Chapter awarded the City of Brea for Excellence in Transportation Planning for the Connecting the Core Active Transportation Plan (ATP), which explored ways to improve the safety and experience for cyclists and pedestrians along streets, sidewalks, and trails in the city.