The city of Southlake is in the midst of developing a health and wellness master plan to organize, add or update the city’s policies, programs and recommendations specifically related to health and wellness. A town hall forum was held May 14 to engage community members.

The health and wellness master plan is a new element of Southlake’s 2035 Comprehensive Plan, Southlake Principal Planner Jerod Potts said. A draft has been developed by city staff and the health and wellness committee, a City Council-appointed advisory body.

While Southlake already has several health and wellness initiatives in the works, such as its senior fitness classes and health education programs, the city is looking to improve and add to these efforts, Potts said.

The draft includes 36 recommendations that address four topics: built and natural environment, physical and mental health, age-friendly communities and community resiliency.

Built and natural environment

The environment in which people spend time can affect their health, and that includes buildings, Potts said. For example, buildings’ ventilation systems and natural lighting may have an effect on a person’s well-being.

Recommendations in this category relate to optimizing infrastructure and open space designs to benefit public health, according to the plan’s draft.

Mental and physical health

Southlake and Carroll ISD both have existing programs and initiatives that address mental and physical health. These include the LiveFit program, the Student and Parents Against Risks to our Kids program and Prescription Drug Take Back Day.

The drafted plan looks at ways to improve resources and support and furthering collaborative partnerships between the city and local school district.

Age-friendly community

Southlake is home to people of different ages, and the plan considers the needs and perspectives of older and younger residents, Potts said.

The health and wellness committee has received input from the Southlake Kids Interested in Leadership, the Southlake Youth Action Commission and the Southlake Senior Advisory Committee.

Community resiliency

This section of the master plan address ways to promote emergency preparedness, response and recovery. This section of the plan address ways to improve upon emergency city procedures, communications and capabilities.

The health and wellness committee will finalize its recommendations, and the master plan will go before council for a first reading June 4. A draft of the plan can be found here.