Residents of Jackson are being offered an opportunity to have fun, get fit, and win prizes as they learn about their ward and city.
Public Works Director Kent Peetz announced a new program, “Walk Jackson” during study session at the April 15 meeting of the Mayor and Board of Aldermen. It will be kicked off during Public Works Week, May 19-25.
“Walk Jackson” is a public relations campaign to educate and involve residents. It will introduce them to the Public Works Department and show them their wards.
Residents will be able to sign up for the program at www.jacksonmo.org or at Public Works on the second floor of City Hall, where they can also pick up a mileage tracking sheet. They then will walk the streets of their ward (or other places) and turn in their mileage sheets by July 15. Certificates of completion will be awarded at Homecomers Tuesday, July 23.
The first 50 people to sign up will get a Walk Jackson t-shirt. There will also be red painted rocks in each ward that are worth valuable prizes. Participants who bring the rocks to the awards ceremony may redeem them for prizes.
Participants are to walk all the streets of their ward (or the equivalent number of miles). They may walk more wards or the entire town. It is hoped that residents will get to learn their wards as they walk. Maps of wards will be made available.
The number of street miles per ward are:
• Ward 1 – 25 miles
• Ward 2 – 48 miles
• Ward 3 – 29 miles
• Ward 4 – 31 miles
• Total – 133 miles
Participants can walk any combination of miles anywhere they wish (including treadmills), but are being encouraged to walk their streets to learn their neighborhood, ward and city.
They can track their miles using a smart fitness device, a smart phone, one of several free apps, or a pedometer. A limited supply of pedometers will be available, along with a reference guide to convert steps to miles.
This program will help Public Works, because participants will be asked to watch for things in the city that need work, such as street signs that are missing, street lights not burning at night (or burning during the day when they shouldn’t), storm sewers that are clogged, manhole lids out of place, etc. If they spot any damage to city property such as parks, restrooms, retaining walls or pavilions, they will be asked to report it. Issues can be reported at www.jacksonmo.org and clicking on “Contact Us” or by calling 573-243-2300.
This program promotes fitness among Jackson residents, helps them to learn their city, and helps make Public Works aware of issues that need attention.
