By Heather Graves
Correspondent
GREEN BAY – The Green Bay Parks Department and Leadership Green Bay are taking their partnership on the road – literally.
Last month, the duo launched Wellness Wheels, a customized and branded cargo trailer equipped with activities, equipment and amenities that promote overall health and wellness in the community.
“The Parks and Rec Department has put a strong emphasis on elevating and prioritizing the role that our department plays in the public health within our community,” said James Anderson, superintendent of recreation. “We realized that we needed passionate partners both in the private and public sector to work together to maximize the impact that parks and rec can make in the community.”
Programs like FIT in the Parks, Parks RX and other health and wellness initiatives spearheaded by the city’s parks and rec department led staff down the path toward community partnerships and the launch of Wellness Wheels.
Stewart Larsen, Green Bay Leadership team lead, said all involved in Wellness Wheels have the same passion.
“We determined we wanted to do something that could help people of all ages get more active outdoors and give an option for youth to enjoy something besides screens and video games,” Larsen said.
The parks department worked in collaboration with local sponsors and partners to design and construct the trailer equipped with power, storage, speakers and recreational supplies.
“The trailer creates a mobile unit for the parks to use and enhance programs and events,” Larsen said.
Larsen said other city parks and rec departments across the country have had success with a mobile recreation trailer.
“Wellness Wheels makes it possibly to virtually set up an event in any park, green space or area that can host it,” Anderson said. “The project is another great example of committed partners and local sponsors teaming up to ensure that health and wellness of our community is a top priority for present and future generations to come.”
Residents can find Wellness Wheels at several community events over the next several months.
They include:
• July 10 – Games Day Playground Event at Fisk Park, 11 a.m.
• July 11 – FIT in the Parks, Zumba at Astor Park, 7 p.m.
• July 17 – FIT in the Parks, Tai Chi at St. James Park, 6 p.m.
• July 27-28 – Lego Event at Bay Beach Amusement Park, 10 a.m.
• Aug. 1 – Glow Zumba at Leicht Park, 8:30 p.m.
• Aug. 6 – Kiddie Karnival & Parade at Leicht Park, 5:30 p.m.
• Aug. 10 – Going Big in the Bay at Joannes Sk8 Park, noon
• Oct. 25 – Haunted Chace Race at Colburn Park
The parks department plans to utilize the Wellness Wheels trails year-round to increase activation of health and wellness themed events.
For more information, visit the program’s website at greenbaywi.gov/350/Health-Wellness.
The Wellness Wheels trailer was made possible by donations from community partners including Camera Corner Connecting Point, WPS Foundation, PAi, Amerhart, Schreiber Foods, University of Wisconsin–Green Bay, Northeast Wisconsin Technical College and Renco.