Members of the Leadership Development Academy of Rock County are working on a community enhancement project that aims to benefit the physical and mental health of residents in the county. The non-profit organization is raising funds for the purchase of stretching/exercise stations along the Ice Age Trail that runs through Janesville, from north of Palmer Park south to Rotary Gardens. The group’s goal is to raise $15,000, which will be used to purchase the stations and installation supplies. Donors to the project will be recognized on signage installed along the Trail between the stretching stations

“Rock County has one of the highest obesity rates in the state of Wisconsin,” stated Tara Semenchuk, member of the 2020-2021 LDA class. “In addition, the impact of the pandemic has increased stress levels and decreased individual’s access to fitness equipment. It is our team’s hope that these stretching/exercise stations will have a positive impact on the overall health and wellness of the residents of Rock County and encourage new visitors to enjoy the benefits of the Ice Age Trail.”

The project has received support from the Rock County Chapter of the Ice Age Trail Alliance and the Rock Trail Coalition. “The Rock Trail Coalition fully supports the group’s efforts at improving the Ice Age Trail and the benefits it will provide to trail users,” said coalition member Dean Paynter.

Donations will be accepted until April 30. Businesses or organizations interested in making a contribution can visit the Rock Trail Coalition’s website at www.rocktrailorganization.org/donate or contact ldaprojectsos@gmail.com. You can also visit the group’s Facebook page at Facebook.com/ProjectSOS.