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This Saturday, children and adults alike are invited to have a Field Day on Fourth Avenue.

Resident Seresa Grillo has organized the second annual Asbury Park Field Day to be held in the open space between Ocean Avenue and the Boardwalk on Fourth Avenue on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

“A few years ago, I spoke to the mayor about having something in town for the kids,” Grillo said. “How can I be more involved? How can I get my hands dirty and really make this town better and have a positive influence on the kids?”

A few months later, Mayor Ed Johnson suggested Grillo spearhead a Mayors Health Initiative, modeled after the popular Mayors Wellness Campaigns that have cropped up in municipalities throughout New Jersey.

Mayors Wellness Campaigns are mostly designed to combat obesity, Grillo said. Conversely, the Mayors Health Initiative’s main goal is “to encourage positive self image by promoting physical activity, disease prevention and healthy living in our community.”

Asbury Park Field Day is the Initiative’s main event and features food, games, health screenings and more.

Children’s games and activities will abound on the Fourth Avenue beach, although adults are welcome to try their hand at volleyball and hula-hooping, as well, Grillo said. The Visiting Nurse Association will also be on hand to conduct skin, blood pressure and lead screenings.

Sodexo, the food provider of the Asbury Park school district, will provide healthful food with a Cinco de Mayo theme throughout the day, Grillo said.

The event will also provide free massages; a Capoeira Brazilian martial arts presentation at noon; a burpee fitness challenge; free T-shirts and more.

Last year’s event drew about 300 people and this year, even more participants are expected.

Click here to visit the event’s Facebook page.

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