Cape Ann Communities Secure Mass in Motion Grant

Cape Ann Communities Secure Mass in Motion Grant
Funds provided over next three years will help to provide infrastructure and programs that promote healthy activity in Gloucester, Rockport, Essex, and Manchester by the Sea

The City of Gloucester Health Department and Community Development Department today announced that the Mass in Motion Municipal Wellness and Leadership Program had granted Cape Ann communities a three-year $110,000 grant to develop enhanced environments that promote healthy living. The grant will be used to improve walkways, create recreational spaces, and increase availability of healthy foods in Gloucester, Rockport, Essex, and Manchester-by-the-Sea.
The successful grant application leveraged the success of the Get Fit Gloucester! program which included reconstruction of Newell Stadium and Burnham’s Field, support for the Cape Ann Farmers’ Market, and diabetes prevention.
“I’m so pleased to be able to build upon the success we’ve had in Gloucester through the Mass in Motion program. I look forward to collaborating with our neighboring Cape Ann communities to promote active lifestyles,” said Mayor Carolyn A. Kirk.
Gloucester Health Director Noreen Burke noted, “The 2012 Comprehensive Needs Assessment performed by Lahey Health identified significant health and wellness disparities in our communities and grants like this are essential in addressing those gaps with regional approaches. We also thank Mayor Carolyn Kirk and State Senator Bruce Tarr for helping secure these resources for the Cape Ann communities.”
Town Administrator Brendhan Zubricki said, “On behalf of the Board of Selectmen, the Town of Essex is pleased to hear how this support will promote mobility and healthy living across Cape Ann. The collaborative nature of the project is sure to foster an exchange of ideas and strategies that a single community would not likely be able to develop on its own. Further, it is already apparent that municipal personnel and associated partners with strengths in particular areas of interest from one community will be able to assist other communities, and vice-versa.”
Greg Federspiel, Town Administrator for Manchester-by-the-Sea said, “We welcome the opportunity to work with Mass in Motion to build upon the efforts of our Bicycle and Pedestrian Committee and Safe Routes to School programs to make Manchester-by-the-Sea more friendly to walking and bicycling.
Linda Sanders, Town Administrator for Rockport committed the Town’s support to build upon existing regional efforts that support healthier lifestyles such as the Cape Ann YMCA’s Diabetes Prevention program and improving the Essex Scenic Byway for pedestrians and bicyclists.
The Mass in Motion Municipal Wellness and Leadership Program, an initiative of the Massachusetts Department of Public Health, provides resources to cities and towns across the Commonwealth to advance wellness and healthy behaviors. Mass in Motion focuses on promotion of safe spaces for physical activity; improved safety standards for parks and playgrounds; and availability of nutritious foods.