Photo Credit Belleville Township: Municipal employees from various departments gathered at the front of Town Hall before commencing their walk on Wednesday's National Walking Day. The event was spearheaded by Councilman Vinny Cozzarelli.

Nicole Netzke was enjoying the sun-splashed afternoon as she strolled down Washington Avenue.

“It’s just great to get out and enjoy the beautiful day and get some exercise,” said Netzke, who works in the construction code department in Belleville. “The past year, with COVID-19 and all, we’ve been couped up. It’s a great idea to get out and walk for a while.”

Netzke was one of about 35 township employees from various departments who took part in Wednesday’s National Walking Day celebration.

Spearheaded by Councilman Vinny Cozzarelli, the event invited township employees to push themselves away from their desks and gather in front of Town Hall.

Members of the Belleville Police Department acted as chaperones for the group as it walked about a mile to Signature Fitness on Cortlandt Street.

Using yoga mats lined outside the gym, several township employees were led in a 20-minute yoga session by Signature Fitness’ Ann Maggio.

After sampling some healthy snacks, such as fruit cups and cold spring water, the employees set a course back for Town Hall. Although a shuttle was available to drive them back, the majority of township workers decided to walk back.

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Photo Credit Belleville Township: The 35 or so township employees who walked on Wednesday were escorted by members of the Belleville Police Department.

Photo Credit Belleville Township: Mayor Michael Melham takes a photo as he helped lead 35 or so Belleville employees on a healthy walk on Wednesday afternoon.

Photo Credit Belleville Township: A dozen or Belleville employees took part in a 20-minute yoga session at Signature Fitness on Wednesday

Photo Credit Belleville Township: The Belleville employees pose after concluding their one-mile walk to Signature Fitness on Wednesday. Although there was a shuttle available to take the employees back to Town Hall, most of them opted to walk back