hearted content that keeps residents informed and connected. One recent video from a State of the City event drew thousands of views and became a talking point throughout the region. “We don’t just rely on press releases anymore,” Mayor Jeff Wagner offers.“We meet our residents where they are—online, at events, and in their neighborhoods.” BUILDING FOR WELLNESS: A FIRST-OF-ITSKIND HEALTH DISTRICT At the heart of Covington’s long-term vision is a groundbreaking civic development project: the creation of a new city center that includes a community center, city hall, and a comprehensive health district. The city recently acquired the old Covington Elementary School site to anchor this initiative, turning a nostalgic space into a modern hub of wellness and civic life. The concept is bold—pairing medical services with fitness amenities, wellness education, and public programming. Powered by partnerships with regional healthcare providers, the health district aims to make preventive and holistic healthcare accessible to all. Covington is also incorporating Techno Gym equipment and wellness technology to support healthy habits. Inspired by the Blue Zones movement— areas of the world known for high life expectancy and well-being—the district is designed to promote longevity and social connection through active design, walkability, and communal programming. “We’re not just building a clinic or a gym,” Bolli adds. “We’re building a place where wellness is woven into everyday life.” THE LAKEPOINTE DEVELOPMENT: A VISION FOR SUSTAINABLE GROWTH Just down the road from the future city center, Covington is transforming a 230-acre former gravel pit into one of the most ambitious mixeduse developments in the region. Known as the Lakepointe Development, the project will include up to 1,750 residential units and 1.3 million square feet of commercial space, connected to the rest of the city by the new Covington Connector road. 76 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 09
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