BLOOMFIELD,
NJ -- The Bloomfield Department of Health
and Human Services, in partnership with New Jersey Bike and Walk Coalition
(NJBWC), will be installing “job clocks” on Saturday, Nov. 17, in anticipation
of the January 15 launch of the “Million Clicks” campaign, a new program
designed to get people moving.
The
clocks will be installed at seven key outdoor locations throughout the township
in an innovative effort to promote and encourage physical activity.
The
electronic clocks, which resemble a lock with a camera lens, will be located in
Brookdale Park, on the Morris Canal Greenway, near the Bloomfield Public
Library and in the Bloomfield Green Historic District. Each will automatically
sync to a key fob carried by walkers, who will hear a “click” as in “clocking
in” when they pass it.
“I’m very excited
about the ‘Million Clicks’ program,” said Liz Brady, Let’s Walk! Coordinator for
NJBWC, adding that “Million Clicks” is the long-term goal of the campaign.
“NJBWC and the Bloomfield Health Department have group walks throughout the
community to motivate people to move. However, sometimes people’s
schedules do not allow them to join us. The Million Clicks program will
provide the technology for these people to participate in our common goal.”
The “job clocks” are
funded by a $10,000 grant from the AARP
Community Challenge grant program, part
of the nationwide AARP Livable Communities initiative. The initiative helps
communities become great places to live for residents of all
ages. Launched in 2017, the Community Challenge program funds projects
that build momentum for change in communities to improve livability for all
local residents.
This year, Bloomfield
was one of 129 grantees and one of only two in New Jersey selected from more
than 1,600 applications. Applicants had to detail a short-term project to “jump
start” the health and wellness of residents of all ages.
The
Department will analyze the data from the “job clocks” to determine the total
number and distribution of clicks and the demographics of the walkers. Monthly
prizes will be given out to those with the most clicks.
“We are
incredibly grateful to AARP for this opportunity to enhance our community
assets and promote physical fitness,” said Maya Lordo, assistant health officer
at the Bloomfield Department of Health and Human Services. “Through this
funding, we hope to increase physical activity and improve health among all of
our residents. We encourage residents to sign up and click away.”
Participants
can register for the walking program by contacting Liz Brady, Let’s Walk!
Coordinator for NJBWC, at liz.brady@njbwc.com or Maya Lordo at 973-680-4022 or mlordo@bloomfieldtwpnj.com.
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