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Registration for the 2026 Louisiana Rural Complete Streets Summit Is Now Open!


Rural communities face a unique set of challenges when it comes to improving bike and pedestrian infrastructure. To address some of these challenges, the LSU AgCenter Healthy Communities team hosts a biennial Louisiana Rural Complete Streets Summit to help rural communities navigate creating a complete streets plan and securing funding.

Learn more about the Louisiana Rural Complete Streets Summit

Learn more about the summit's impact

Why adopt a Complete Streets plan?


2026 Louisiana Rural Complete Streets Summit

Who Should Register?

Register as a community team of 3–6 people.

Each team should include representatives from across your community, such as:

  • Elected official (required)
  • LSU AgCenter agent
  • Community residents
  • Planning or public works staff
  • Public health professionals
  • School or nonprofit leaders

Why Attend?

  • Learn about funding opportunities
  • Gain technical assistance for community projects
  • Connect with planning, transportation, and health professionals
  • Explore strategies for safer, healthier, and more connected communities

Register for one location:

October 15 in Baton Rouge

9:30 AM - 3:00 PM

The Estuary at the Water Campus
1110 River Rd N, Baton Rouge, LA

October 29 in Ruston

9:30 AM - 3:00 PM

Davison Athletic Complex
1454 W Alabama Ave, Ruston, LA

Only 8 Spots Available Per Location.

Reserve A Spot by August 30th at Qualtrics Survey | Qualtrics Experience Management

Questions?

Jamila Freightman
jfreightman@agcenter.lsu.edu

The LSU AgCenter and LSU provide equal opportunities in programs and employment.

In this article:
Healthy Young People Empowerment (HYPE)
Walk Audits
Play Streets
Stencil Projects
Louisiana Active Transportation Contacts
StoryWalks
Park Exercises

Healthy Young People Empowerment (HYPE)

Healthy Young People Empowerment (HYPE) is a youth leadership program that trains youth to be advocates for health in their community. HYPE focuses on improving physical activity and healthy eating through policy, systems, and environmental (PSE) change projects. Youth are encouraged to use the skills they learn to become lifelong advocates for their community. Contact us to learn more about bringing HYPE to your parish.

Learn more about HYPE!

Walk Audits

In a walk audit, a group of people identify barriers that exist for getting safely from one place to another by foot, bike, or wheelchair. In addition to providing several walk audit assessment forms, the LSU AgCenter Healthy Communities program can offer technical assistance and expertise from physical activity specialists and Extension agents in eligible parishes. Contact us to learn how we can support a walk audit in your community.

Learn more about walk audits!

Learn what to do after a walk audit!

Play Streets

Play Streets are popup play events that take place in temporarily closed streets, open fields, or parking lots for a specified time period (around 3-5 hours). Play Streets offer physical activity opportunities for children in under-resourced communities that lack safe parks and playgrounds by creating a safe, publicly accessible space for children, adolescents, and families to engage in active play. Contact us to learn how we can support Play Streets in your community!

Learn more about Play Streets!

Stencil Projects

The LSU AgCenter uses stencils to create colorful, painted play spaces that provide no-cost opportunities for physical activity. Stencils promote exercise while also enhancing community spaces with a playful element. Stencils can be placed on concrete at schools, child care centers, libraries, parks, community centers, and other public areas. Contact us to find out if your site is eligible for stenciling.

Learn more about stencil projects!

Louisiana Active Transportation Contacts

Several organizations play a role in making communities more walkable and bikeable. If you are interested in pursuing active transportation developments in your community, use our Louisiana Active Transportation Contacts Tool to find out who to contact in your parish.

Find Louisiana Active Transportation Contacts Here!

StoryWalks

A StoryWalk® is an outdoor reading experience where pages from a children’s book are placed on outdoor signage along a walking route or trail. StoryWalks® promote literacy, encourage physical activity, and bring people to locations where StoryWalks® are installed. Contact us today to find out how we can help you bring StoryWalks® to your community!

Learn more about StoryWalks!

Park Exercises

From simple stretches to split squats, this series of videos from the Live Healthy Houma coalition covers a wide range of exercises suitable for parks. Whether you're a beginner or advanced fitness enthusiast, these videos are sure to provide the perfect guidance for your park exercise routine.

Find Live Healthy Houma's Simple Park Exercises Here!

Four teenage girls at a pop up park.
Group of adults looking ahead while walking on a sidewalk.
Young boy jumping through an obstacle course
Three women painting an alligator hop scotch stencil
Women walking on a path
Yard signs with pages from a children's book
Walking trail sign at a park
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