| |
|
|
|
| |
|
|
| Project Name: |
Jefferson County Health Center Fitness Trail
|
| Project Purpose (Include city and state): |
The purpose of our project is to positively impact the health and wellness of the communities we serve at Jefferson County Health Center, Fairfield, Iowa, 52556. Jefferson County Health Center (JCHC) is a certified Blue Zones worksite.
Nestled in Southeast Iowa, we are blessed with a community that is very “wellness” motivated and is currently seeking Blue Zones Community certification. The community has worked very hard to develop over 16 miles of trails around our immediate communities. In keeping with our quest for wellness, JCHC provided easements for these trails to traverse our south border. This major trail supports walking, hiking, biking and running. The Jefferson County Trails Council, responsible for the inception and completion of the 16 mile loop trail, estimates the trail gets 100,000 uses throughout a calendar year. However, these trails through our beautiful Iowa countryside are often too strenuous and thus limiting to participation and use by people with disabilities or restrictions.
Recognizing the value and benefit of even simple exercise, JCHC developed an indoor walking program. This has proved very beneficial for many, especially special populations. A patient’s husband when trying to find a safe place to walk outside asked why we didn’t develop a trail which would be less strenuous and safer around our Health Center? He challenged us to do something which could serve not only people here at the Health Center but also all people in our immediate communities as well as neighboring communities.
We further recognize the importance of fresh air, sunshine and the healing and feeling of well-being nature can provide. At a cost of $40,000, JCHC added a fairly level 0.8 mile loop around our campus. This loop seamlessly connects to the larger 16 mile Jefferson County Loop Trail. There are mileage marker signs around our trail made possible by funding from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
To further enhance the exercise and benefit of our loop, we are adding a 9 Station Fitness Trail. We want to add outdoor, low-impact, functional fitness system to help people become and stay fit. The system is user friendly, safe and provides a good paced workout for people of any ability and fitness level. These will provide a means to help people remain independent and avoid injury. Each station includes a “Welcome and Heart Check” guide and coaching to describe and illustrate how to use the equipment safely and effectively. Because of our work with RAGBRAI, (DM) Register’s Annual Great Bike Ride Across Iowa, we were able to secure a grant and purchase our first fitness station. JCHC purchased the second station. We propose to purchase the remaining stations with a Wellmark 75th Anniversary grant.
|
| City: |
Fairfield
|
| Project Location: |
Fairfield, IA. Jefferson County Health Center campus
|
| Target population and how they will benefit: |
More than ever, we are recognizing that the key to a longer, healthier life begins with fitness, Blue Zones Power 9. Blending the appropriate mix of fitness stations for different levels of fitness and body types with the opportunity to take advantage of these outdoors is appealing. The Fitness Stations will benefit all of the populations we serve. Last year JCHC served people from 69 Iowa cities and towns, 38 states and 9 countries. The stations will be utilized by all current users of our local trail and grounds and will help entice users from all of our surrounding communities. They can be used by the very fit to the not-so very fit, those with disabilities and child through adult. |
| Why your project deserves the funds: |
Fairfield, Iowa is striving diligently to become a Blue Zones Certified Community. Currently, we have two (out of our two) Blue Zone Certified Grocery Stores, seven Blue Zones Certified Restaurants, two Blue Zones Certified Schools and five Blue Zones Certified Worksites. We at Jefferson County Health Center recognize that our mission is more about helping people learn how to stay well as it is about taking care of people when they are not well. The addition of these fitness stations can greatly enhance that mission and our Blue Zones endeavors.
Jefferson County Health Center’s commitment to health and wellness has been demonstrated by the time, energy and finance needed to achieve and maintain our Blue Zones Worksite Certification and our construction of the loop trail. We have also developed a full-time Health Promotion and Wellness Department with a Department Manager to continuously strive for improved health and wellness for all those we serve, both internally and externally. We are unaware of any other fitness system of this kind anywhere in our region.
The equipment is made by Amish craftsmen using environmentally friendly, recycled plastic. The components qualify for LEED certification. Using recycled plastic offers a great option for our community to help the environment. There are no known pollution or health problems associated with recycled plastic. The plastic systems will not crack or check, splinter, rot and they are impervious to insects. They are color fast and do not need painting. They are further composed of vandal resistant polycarbonate signs, rust resistant hardware (galvanized steel or stainless steel) and are virtually maintenance free. Spray paint and markers can be removed with appropriate cleaners. With normal use, the life expectancy is in excess of 30 years.
To further save in costs, the stations will be installed by our own JCHC Maintenance Department.
|
| Project Timing: |
If we are selected to receive one of your grants, we will immediately order the remaining 7 Fitness Stations. There is a 6 weeks to 2 months lead time for their production and shipping.
Upon receipt, our Maintenance Department will work with our Leadership Team and Health Promotion and Wellness Manager to determine the layout on our loop. They will then plan and execute the necessary ground and foundation preparations for installation. During this time, if additional contractors are deemed necessary to complete this project in a timely manner, arrangements will be made. Maintenance will either fully complete the installation themselves or work with any additional contractors which might be needed to complete this project. Estimated time for this phase is 1 month. This timeline will be dependent on Iowa seasons and weather. Completion is dependent on all phases as above.
Following full installation, an event to promote the Fitness Stations and recognizing Wellmark’s contribution will be held. Representatives from Wellmark, local dignitaries, Blue Zones Committees, community citizens, and Health Center Leadership and staff will be invited to attend.
|
| State: |
Iowa
|
| Organization Name: |
Jefferson County Health Center
|
|
|
|