The Statewide Health Improvement Partnership (SHIP) focuses on active transportation — walking, biking and rolling to destinations — to create opportunities for movement to be part of everyday living. Our programming includes transit promotion, recognizing that access to transit typically involves walking.
Dakota County physical activity partners
Dakota County SHIP works with schools, cities and community sites to create or update transportation policies, support grant writing, 
ensure health equity and well-being, conduct feasibility studies and plans, and promote programs and activities. If you or your organization would like to discuss how Dakota County could support you, please email marguerite.zauner@co.dakota.mn.us.
Schools
Dakota County partners with school districts support movement during the school day. Examples of Active Living programs Dakota County partners with schools on:
- Hosting National Walk and Roll to School Day events. Hosting training and integration of “Walk! Bike! Fun!" or "OnMyWay!"curriculum into classrooms
- Hosting a Bike Rodeo or community event
- Reviewing and updating physical activity and recess polices
- Encouraging active movement during the school day, including recess
- Creating outdoor classrooms for outdoor learning
- Implementing Safe Routes to Schools 6 E's (Evaluation, Education, Encouragement, Equity, Engagement and Engineering)
- Providing technical assistance and grant writing support for Safe Routes to School
- Being a member of the school wellness committees
Community sites
Dakota County partners with cities, local organizations and community members to increase access to physical activity opportunities. Examples of partnerships include:
- Active Living Dakota County (ALDC) initiative with local Dakota County cities to continue partnership which support Active Living and advancing health equity goals.
- Active Living Community Partner Awards funding opportunities (Bike and Pedestrian Planning, Comprehensive Planning, physical activity equipment access)
- Grant writing assistance made available to local cities related to active living
- Participating as a member on planning committees and by attending community engagement events
- Providing technical assistance including document review, assistance finding health related data and metrics, advising in community engagement strategies
- Partnering with Dakota County Parks for inclusive and equitable programming such as Fiesta en la Nieve and Outdoor Latino Minnesota
- Partnering with Dakota County Libraries for programming such as Story Walks to encourage and engage in both physical active and reading events