Submitted by Anna Solorio, John Landes – Community Resource Specialist, City of Oceanside Housing and Neighborhood Services

At the City of Oceanside, we believe that fostering a strong, vibrant community is essential for enhancing the quality of life for all residents. One of our most successful initiatives in achieving this goal has been the John Landes Neighborhood Walk & Talk series.

Over a five-week period, we organized twice-weekly walks around John Landes Park, inviting community partners to join us in engaging with local residents. Each session began with a group stretch to promote physical wellness and concluded with a refreshing snack and water, ensuring participants felt cared for and energized. These walks were not just about exercise; they were an opportunity to build meaningful connections through personalized conversations.

During each walk, our community partners took the time to explain to local residents how they support the City of Oceanside's initiatives, providing valuable insights and fostering a sense of trust and collaboration. This approach allowed residents to learn about the resources and support available to them while contributing to their overall well-being. 

As a highlight to wrap up the five-week series, we hosted a Neighborly Health & Wellness Resource Fair. This event brought together all the community partners who had joined us during the walks along with additional supporters, creating a vibrant hub of local resources and support. The fair featured a food distribution to address immediate needs, and a breakout yoga session aimed at promoting a balanced, stress-free lifestyle.

Local businesses such as Chick-Fil-A, Texas Roadhouse, Target, Mayweather Boxing, TrueCare, and many more made generous contributions to the event. These businesses donated health-oriented prizes that not only incentivized participation, but also reinforced our commitment to promoting a healthier lifestyle within the community.

The success of the Walk & Talk series and the Resource Fair sparked a new initiative: a Healthy Eating Series led by Berry Good Food is set to launch in the upcoming season. This new series aims to build on the momentum of our previous efforts, providing ongoing education and resources to support healthy eating habits and continued community engagement.

Through these initiatives, we have successfully elevated the community's standard of living by integrating health, knowledge, and social connections into a cohesive and impactful experience.

It is a testament to the positive change that can be achieved when we come together with a shared purpose and commitment to the well-being of our community.

Learn more about the City of Oceanside’s Neighborhood Walk & Talk Series, contact Anna Solorio at AnSolorio@oceansideca.org.