ENI: Healing Zones

Healing Zone Master Plans: Supporting Communities Across Alabama

Project Summary

Place Associates is honored to collaborate with the University of Alabama Center for Economic Development (UACED) and the East Alabama Mental Health Initiative (ENI) to create Healing Zone Master Plans for nine diverse communities across Alabama. These plans focus on enhancing mental health and well-being by designing spaces that foster connection, healing, and community resilience.

Working in partnership with UACED, which coordinated the overall initiative and served as Place Associates' client, we crafted site-specific plans that address the unique needs of the following communities:

• Ma-Chis

• MOWA

• Goodwater

• Pittsview

• Bayou La Batre

• Coden

• Crossville

• Kilpatrick

• Prichard

Outcomes

Each Healing Zone Master Plan integrates:

• Enhanced Public Spaces: Parks, trails, and gathering areas designed to improve quality of life and encourage social interaction.

• Accessible Mental Health Resources: Incorporating strategically located support centers to ensure communities have access to critical services.

• Community-Centered Design: Utilizing feedback from local stakeholders to reflect each community's unique needs and cultural values.

• Sustainability and Connectivity: Prioritizing green infrastructure, environmental stewardship, and accessible designs for residents of all abilities.

Our Role

Place Associates worked closely with UACED to provide conceptual design and master planning services for each community. Our team focused on crafting environments that align with ENI’s mission to improve mental health outcomes through thoughtfully designed spaces. By combining local insights with strategic planning, these Healing Zone Master Plans serve as a catalyst for well-being and sustainable growth.

About UACED and ENI

The University of Alabama Center for Economic Development led the coordination of all ENI projects, ensuring alignment across the initiative and supporting each community in achieving their goals. The East Alabama Mental Health Initiative continues to champion statewide efforts to promote healing and mental well-being.

Learn more about ENI and its impactful work here: ENI Website.

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