Walk Jackson: City unveils program rewarding walkers, seeks input on streets

It was a sore hip that Jackson public works director Kent Peetz credits as the origin for a unique walking program.

"I was having some hip pain last fall and was told that walking would help it," he said. "And as I was out walking I found myself looking for cracks and potholes in the streets, missing street signs and so forth."

Peetz identified a number of street maintenance issues and realized that many more street and utility problems could be addressed if more people walked the streets of Jackson as he had.

"That's how we came up with the idea for 'Walk Jackson,' an eight-week walking program we'll be kicking off here later this month," he said. "As far as I know, this is the first time anybody has done a program exactly like this one which will benefit participants and the city.

In addition to encouraging Jackson residents to improve their fitness through walking, Peetz said the program will also help the Jackson Public Works Department identify and address street maintenance issues and will allow people to become more familiar with streets in the community.

Walk Jackson will kick off May 20 which is the beginning of Public Works Week. Registration will start on that day and can be done online through the city's website, www.jacksonmo.org where mileage tracking forms will also be available. Mileage forms must be turned in by July 17 when the program ends.

The first 50 people to register will receive free Walk Jackson T-shirts. Peetz said those registering during the first week of the program will be able to request specific T-shirt sizes while supplies last. Registration can also be done in person at the public works department office starting May 20. The office is on the second floor of the Jackson City Hall.

People will be encouraged to "walk their wards" in Jackson. According to Peetz, there are 25 miles of streets in Ward 1, 48 miles in Ward 2, 29 miles in Ward 3 and in Ward 4 there are 31 miles for a total of 133 miles of streets in the town. "You can walk any combination of miles, anywhere you wish, but we encourage everyone to get out and learn their ward, their neighborhood and city," he said.

Peetz said people can track their miles through their own personal fitness devices (such as FitBits) or through walking apps on their smartphones.

"As they walk, we will want people to be on the watch for street signs that are missing, streetlights not burning at night, or burning during they day when they shouldn't, storm sewers that are clogged, manhole lids that are out of place or anything that might affect city streets, water systems or electric utilities," he said. "For instance, if someone sees water in the street and it hasn't rained for three weeks, it could mean we have a water leak in the system."

Problems can be reported through the city's website or by calling (573) 243-2300, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

"People are going to ask if they have to walk every street in town," Peetz said. "The answer is no; walking or running on any combination of streets will count. Also, treadmills, elliptical machines and stair steppers will help people get in shape, but we prefer and suggest that they get their miles outside on our trails, sidewalks and streets."

In addition to participation certificates that will be presented at Homecomers on July 23, Peetz said prizes will also be awarded to program participants who find specially-painted red rocks along various streets. The rocks will bear code numbers and can be exchanged on July 23 for prizes, including Jackson Civic Center passes, Jackson Swimming Pool passes, water bottles and a two-hour swimming party at the Jackson swimming pool.

Peetz said more information about the program will be posted before May 20 on the City of Jackson's website and Facebook page.

jwolz@semissourian.com

(573) 388-3630