The new documentary, “Walkable USA,” featuring downtown Hammond premiered on Dec. 6.

The movie was four years in the making. It tells the story of the revitalization of downtown Hammond. The documentary promotes the idea that walking, the simplest act of transportation, can transform a city.

“The downtown part of our city is so important for our psyche in Hammond,” said Mayor Thomas McDermott in a press release. “If we expect our downtown to thrive, we really need to slow the traffic down, and make it more walkable. And we’re going to do it.”

The hourlong movie made its debut at the Towle Theater in Hammond. It premiered to a packed crowd of stakeholders, investors and community members.

“'Walkable USA' couldn’t have shown the importance of walkability to a transitioning downtown core better,” said Anne Taylor, executive director of planning and development in Hammond. “This film captures the essence of Hammond and shows all the hard work the city is doing to make the vision of a vibrant downtown into a reality.”

Tom Desch directed and produced “‘”Walkable” USA. Mike Meyers edited the documentary, and Pat Wisniewski served as the associate producer.

The documentary shows how a walkable design can improve a space, such as downtown Hammond.

The city of Hammond “embraced the production with open arms and was excited to share its efforts,” Desch said.

“Walkable USA” can be viewed on Lakeshore Media PBS channel 56, on cable or through streaming providers. It will air at 8 p.m. Dec. 28 (CST) and at 11 a.m. Dec. 31 (CST). Lakeshore Public Media offers a link with tips on how to watch the documentary.

Hammond is the largest city in Lake County and the seventh largest city in Indiana. The city is home to more than 76,000 people. Redevelopment of the downtown area is underway.

Learn more about the Future of Hammond in our October-November issue.