Health officials in Madison, New Jersey followed the “Live Long, Live Well” model in creating the Rose City Steppers in 1998. Sponsored by the Madison Fitness Coalition and the Madison Health Department, the group’s motto is to “get moving.” The walking group meets on the second Saturday of each month to complete a pre-determined walking route through Madison. Walks are less than five miles and open to individuals of any age or physical fitness group (though most members are between the ages of 50 and 70.) Annual registration is $10 for adults, and $8 for seniors over 60. Because the walks are guided by a map, participants may walk at their own rate. Since 1998, The Rose City Steppers have twice walked every street in Madison in one year. The program also encourages its members to walk on their own, specifically one half hour (or 5,000 steps) per day.
At the program’s inception, participants kept track of their steps through the use of pedometers. Organizers found that only about 20% of participants would keep track, and so the practice has since been abandoned. Organizers explain that it took too much “administrative time” and took away from the program’s focus - fitness and having a good time. Consequently, organizers explain that the program’s main weakness is that it does not evaluate effectiveness for members thoroughly.
The Rose City Steppers was launched by a “fitness coalition” in Madison made up of nurses, dieticians, government officials, physical therapists, senior services agency, and staff members from the recreation department. The goal was to create a program that would increase exercise among residents. The coalition met for 6 months in 1997 before launching the Rose City Steppers on a community day in 1998. Since the program’s founding, the township’s Health Educator coordinates all its activities and programming, which takes a few hours per week.
The Rose City Steppers are fortunate to have the moral support of the Mayor and City Council. Council members can often be seen participating in the many walks throughout the year. Additionally, the program encourages new residents to join the program so that they may make friends more easily and learn about the history and culture of Madison. Some walks are tailored to emphasize the city’s shade trees, role in American history, diverse neighborhoods, or other interesting facets of the town.
Contact information
http://www.state.nj.us/health
New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services
Division of Aging and Community Services
609-943-3498
Madison’s Rose City Steppers
http://www.rosenet.org
Madison Health Department
28 Walnut Street
Madison, NJ O7940
973-593-3079 x.8
