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CAMPBELL -- The importance of encouraging and incentivizing physical and mental fitness has received a significant boost -- to the tune of a few thousand dollars.
"It's to increase exercise and the health of our citizens. It's also letting them feel comfortable in new neighborhoods," city Councilwoman Mary Janek, D-3rd Ward, said after Wednesday evening's regular council meeting, the first since council returned from its summer recess.
She was referring to a $2,500 AARP grant the city was awarded May 8 to promote safe walking routes and healthy aging in each of its four wards. Two such routes, all of which are about a mile, are in each ward, Janek noted. She added that the walking areas are designed mainly for residents 50 and older.
"An increased number of senior residents walking together will increase social interaction as well as fitness levels, creating a stronger and healthier community," Janek said in a statement. "This grant provides an opportunity to help our residents remain active, connected and engaged. By clearly identifying safe and appropriate walking routes, we can encourage more people to enjoy the health benefits of walking while fostering greater social interaction among neighbors."
The eight routes also will present varying levels of difficulty along certain thoroughfares, given the city's hilly terrain. For example, a portion of Wilson Avenue is 814 feet above sea level, whereas part of 12th Street is 1,158 feet above that mark, Janek said.
In addition, the project took into account Campbell's sidewalk infrastructure. In many neighborhoods, sidewalks were added in the late 1930s as part of President Franklin D. Roosevelt's Works Progress Administration efforts, while newer sections of the city often are devoid of sidewalks, she noted.
Also along the routes are signs with one-word affirmations intended to encourage walkers, such as "relax," "tranquil," "decompress," "peaceful" and "serene."
The AARP Foundation offers funds to create long-term solutions that have a wide impact on those 50 and older. Last year, the foundation invested $6.78 million through 70 grants to support initiatives and organizations committed to advancing economic opportunity and improving outcomes for older adults in communities nationwide, its website shows.
For further information, go to the city's website, www.campbellohio.gov and click on the "AARP walking routes" tab.