Aurora's fit flop
Add Axios as your preferred source to
see more of our stories on Google.
Aurora fell four spots to No. 31 in this year's American Fitness Index but still ranks in the nation's top third for big-city healthy living.
Why it matters: The ranking from ACSM and the Elevance Health Foundation measures resident health alongside parks, rec, transportation, air quality and other community factors.
- Denver ranks fifth.
By the number: Aurora has 103 developed parks and 8,000 acres of open space.
- Trust for Public Land gives the city a No. 51 ParkScore ranking and says 90% of Aurora's residents live within a 10-minute walk to a park.
Yes, but: Trust for Public Land gives Aurora below-average marks for park amenities.
- And ACSM says air quality can shape when and where residents safely exercise — especially people with asthma or other respiratory conditions.
The big picture: Aurora scored stronger on personal health than its surroundings, landing at No. 22 for resident health and No. 57 for community and environment.
The city was 27th overall last year, when it placed 14th for personal health and 60th for community and environment.
Zoom out: Colorado Springs ranked No. 40 this year.
The bottom line: Aurora looks healthier than most big cities, but the newest rankings suggest its biggest gains could come from stronger parks and other investments.