An overview of Health

Healthscape
Feild Project-Part 3

The third field study that was conducted focused on the healthscape of Bristol. Healthscape can be defined as the landscape of public well-being on a community and individual level. The main ideas that I focused on during observations were access to nutritional foods, access to medical treatment, outdoor recreational activates and quality of air and water. The above map shows the path that I took, which is highlighted purple blue spots are areas of interest. I began in the parking lot at Water St. then went down Radcliffe St. to Cedar then down Pond St. Then I turned on Mulberry St., went down Wood St to Mill St, bringing me back to Water St.

Through my observations, I found that there were not many options for nutrimental foods. On the corner of Pond St. and Beaver Damn Rd. was one of the only food stores that I found in the area. This store was called, Bristol Selecto American and Spanish Foods. This store offered low priced food with not many fresh or organic items. Since the store accepted food stamps I feel that many in the area would be consider lower to middle class. I encountered several Mom and Pop grocery stores and delis that were closed down. I feel that these stores may have closed down do to the changes in industry and gentrification of the area. Along Mill St by Water St. there was a Mom and Pop style cheese steak and milkshake stand.. The most prominent food option for people in the area was pizza-parlor style foods. There use to be an Amish Deli along Radcliffe St, but it was closed down several months ago, due to high rent and unfavorable lease conditions. Residents must travel outside of the area to go to grocery stores or markets. This limitation on access of food can negatively affect the health of the community and individuals.

There also seemed to be limitations on medical treatment and pharmacies for people in area. This can cause the most problems for elderly residents who do not reliable transportation outside the community. I encountered one medical center during my observations. This was located near the corner of Mill St and Wood St. There were no pharmacies in the area. The only pharmacy that I found in Bristol is located inside the Rite-Aid on Pond St. This Rite-Aid is marked in blue on my map outside of the purple highlighted observation area.

Along Water St. and Radcliffe there were options for recreational outdoor activities. This appeared to be the meeting place of the community. Along the water, there were green spaces with picnic benches, the wharf, and the Delaware Canal Trail. The canal runs from Bristol to Easton PA and the entire path can be walked. There were also memorial plaques located along the trail. This area was clean, and trashcans were provided frequently. Along Mill St. was the main commerce strip. All of the stores had handicapped accessible entrances. The main limitation that I found was some of the sidewalks were uneven or broken up. This can cause limitations on mobility for the handicapped and elderly.

I feel that Bristol may have a problem with clean air and water. This is concluded based on the amount of industry that is currently and historically located in the area. In addition, Rohm Haas is located very closely to that area. This is a major source of air and water pollution in the area. Also, the Tullytown Dump is located in close proximity of the area. On certain days, the air has strong scents, from the dump, which is a foul stench, or from the Rohm Haas that has a sulfur type smell. This area was also used as a major port for many years. This is a source of water pollution. These are all negative factors on the health of the members of the community and individuals.

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