Franklin Lakes Named a "New Jersey Healthy Town"

 

The New Jersey Health Care Quality Institute announced that seventeen municipalities have been designated as a “2023 Healthy Town,” including Franklin Lakes, as part of its Mayors Wellness Campaign (“MWC”), a program of the Quality Institute in partnership with the New Jersey State League of Municipalities. These cities and towns go above and beyond to improve health and wellness in their communities through innovative programs in areas such as exercise, healthy eating, and mental health education and awareness. 

Each year, communities participating in the MWC complete a comprehensive Healthy Town application outlining the research they’ve done to identify their community health needs and explaining how they have organized their local MWC program. The application also highlights the actions they’ve taken to make their communities healthier places to live, work, and play.

“The League of Municipalities is excited to see the growth of the MWC Healthy Town designations. It shows what we already know: that community leaders across the state are focused on the health of residents and want to continue to provide these important wellness opportunities at the local level,” said Mike Cerra, Executive Director of the New Jersey League of Municipalities. 

This is not the first time that Franklin Lakes has been recognized for its comprehensive and innovative Mayor’s Wellness Campaign. In 2015, Franklin Lakes was recognized as a “New Jersey Healthy Town” and, again, in 2020, Franklin Lakes was recognized as a “New Jersey Health Town to Watch.”

The New Jersey Health Care Quality Institute issued a press release which explains the reasons Franklin Lakes was chosen: “In 2023 the Borough of Franklin Lakes received its first gold level designation and was awarded as a Healthy Town. Through comprehensive recreational activities and an increased focus on using data to inform programming, the program has continued to grow and provide a culture of health and wellness for residents.”

“The Borough of Franklin Lakes is honored to be recognized by the New Jersey Health Care Quality Institute as a 2023 Healthy Town. Dina Robinson, the Borough’s Community Director, coordinates Mayors Wellness Campaign programs throughout the year to promote healthy activities and well-being in our community,” said Mayor Charles Kahwaty. “In 2023 we also became part of the City Health Dashboard where we can gain access to local health data and use it to impact our community’s overall health and wellness.”

Community Director Dina Robinson emphasized the significance of promoting healthy living in Franklin Lakes, “The focus on well-being is integral to all events and programs organized by the MWC, as reflected in the campaign logo – ‘Franklin Lakes Living Healthy.’ By prioritizing opportunities for residents to enhance their health and overall quality of life, the MWC demonstrates a commitment to fostering a healthier community. Recognition from the New Jersey Health Care Quality Institute further validates the effectiveness of these initiatives in making a positive impact on health in our community.”

 

Community Events 2024

  • April - Living Healthy Challenge 
  • May 4 - Clean Up Day – 3 parks (rain date May 11)  
  • May 15 -19 - Franklin Lakes and Lions Club Carnival at Parsons Pond Park - Parsons Pond Commuter Lot
  • May 17 - Beer Garden at Lions Club Carnival (Parsons Pond Park)
  • May 18 - Franklin Lakes Day at Carnival (vendor booths, music, beer garden)
  • May 19 - Rain date for Franklin Lakes Day 
  • May 27 - Memorial Day Ceremony at Veterans Plaza 
  • June 1 - National Trails Day – Walk with the Mayor at Parsons Pond Park
  • June 3 - Football Camp with AMPT (Athletes Making Progress Together) at Pulis Field
  • June 22 - Baskets 4 Hope – Pulis Field outdoor courts  
  • June 12 - Movies in the Park – McBride Field
  • July 17 - Movies in the Park – location to be determined
  • August 14 - Movies in the Park – location to be determined 
  • August 24 - Eats N’ Beats at Veterans Plaza (food trucks, music, rides, beer garden) – rain date August 25 
  • September 11 - 9/11 Ceremony at Memorial Garden behind Borough Hall 
  • October 27 - (tentative) Trunk or Treat - Borough Hall
  • November 11 - 11:00 AM Veterans Day Ceremony at Veterans Plaza
  • December 3 - Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony at the Gazebo in Veterans Plaza
  • December - Menorah Lighting Ceremony date to be determined