5-2-1-0 Healthy Choices Count! is a nationally recognized and evidence-based prevention framework to promote the daily recommendations of 5 servings of fruits and vegetables, 2 hours or less of recreational screen time, 1 hour or more of physical activity, and 0 sugary drinks- drink more water. The goal of 5-2-1-0 Healthy Choices Count! is to work with parents, teachers, child care providers, health care providers, and business leaders to increase physical activity and healthy eating through policy and environmental change in communities.
Sergeant Bluff was selected to be a part of the 5-2-1-0 Healthy Choices Count! program in 2020. This is a three-year program. For its first year, Sergeant Bluff received $30,000 in funding to implement initiatives that promote the 5-2-1-0 principles. Sergeant Bluff’s largest project completed this past year was the installation of the NEOS 360 Accessible. This is an electronic playground that features multiple games, which include one and two-player options as well as team play. As a part of the City of Sergeant Bluff’s Master Park Plan, the NEOS 360 Accessible provides a major park enhancement through the addition of a unique ADA-accessible playground equipment. The new playground was installed at 901 First Street Park.
The new playground offers a unique way to encourage participants to be active as the playground technology includes light and music features. Unlike typical playgrounds, the NEOS 360 does not have an age cap and can serve children, teens, and even adults. This recreational equipment provides eight games for participants of different ages and abilities to play together. The NEOS 360 project was featured, along with other Sergeant Bluff 5-2-1-0 projects, in the Healthiest State Initiative’s Success Story Blog.