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The living is easy for all ages

The federal government confirms Dunedin is a city that takes great pride in providing highly livable conditions for all its citizens.

By MEGAN SCOTT
Published September 28, 2005

	[Times photo: Kathleen Flynn]
	A biker breezes along the Pinellas Trail, passing a local salon in downtown Dunedin. The availability of recreation and arts programs for all ages and abilities were factors in the city winning a federal award for livability.

Dunedin residents aren't the only ones who think their city is a nice place for children, adults and the elderly.

The federal government thinks so, too.

Last week, the city was named a "Livable Community for All Ages" by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Administration on Aging.

The city was one of only seven across the country to receive the award. It was one of two cities in Florida; the other is Tamarac, near Fort Lauderdale.

The award recognized communities that are places where people of all ages can live comfortably.

"It just says again that we have a livable city good for people of all ages," said Kelli Edwards, chair of the Dunedin Committee on Aging. "Everything you go to in Dunedin, from the Highland Games to Art Harvest, you see preschool kids to the really old folks."

Livable communities were defined as cities and counties that have responded to changing demographics and made improvements in such areas as access to health and support services, and work, education and volunteer opportunities.

Thirteen communities applied, said Deborah Burns, aging programs specialist with the Administration on Aging.

Dunedin won in the small population (under 100,000) designation in the category of encouraging participation in civic, cultural, social and recreational activities.

In a writeup on the winners, it was described as "working to make the city safer and more accessible, engage older residents in community life, and provide opportunities for strengthening intergenerational ties."

"This award was a conglomerate of many things being done in the city to be a livable community for all ages," said Peg Cummings, Dunedin's recreation division director.

Cummings, who spearheaded the application, and Mayor John Doglione went to Washington to receive the award, which was signed by Assistant Secretary for Aging Josefina Carbonell.

"When you look at everything from the Hale Center for seniors and having recently opened the Martin Luther King Jr. Center focusing on youth, Dunedin is doing many things," Cummings added.

Dunedin learned about the competition from Roxie Smith, vice chairwoman of the Committee on Aging and chair of the Intergenerational subcommittee. Smith, a grants writer, saw a posting on a listserv she subscribes to.

Smith, along with Barbara Fidler, ADA coordinator for Dunedin, helped Cummings file the application, which touted the Committee on Aging and the Intergenerational subcommittee as one of Dunedin's strong points.

The application included the fact that Dunedin was the first city in Florida to receive a designation from the state as an elder-ready community. It also mentioned the city's pedestrian-friendly downtown as well as its numerous boards and committees, and the volunteer program.

"The really cool thing I love about the livable community concept is that it really is about helping people to age with independence and support," said Smith. "I think that's the beauty of Dunedin."

Megan Scott can be reached at 445-4167 or mscott@sptimes.com

[Last modified September 28, 2005, 02:30:38]