Westfield's 15 Glo-Seesaws And Chocolate Tour Draw NJ Residents

WESTFIELD, NJ — With people looking for a something to do in warm weather that's fun and pandemic-safe, a moving exhibit outside the Westfield, NJ train station is proving a draw.

The "Glo-Westfield" exhibit, a public art installation that kicked off in Canada, landed in the North Jersey town last Friday. It allows visitors to sit on any of 15 giant glowing seesaws and enjoy the other activities scheduled downtown, like a self-guided chocolate tour and restaurant deals. (However, a planned pizza challenge for this weekend has been canceled.)

The installation is open for public use from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. through March 21 (a Sunday). Adults and kids of all ages are invited to use the seesaws for free in 10-minute increments.

Initially launched in Montréal, and created but Lateral Office and CS Design, the "dynamic public art installation" has stopped in Australia, London, Boston, and New York City before landing amid the shops of downtown Westfield.

Fudge-covered corn dogs, yoga, and dining, but no 'pizza challenge'

On weekends, visitors may also take a self-directed Chocolate Tour with $2 samples of everything from (hold on to your stomachs!) fudge-covered corn dogs to custard-covered Nutella.

Get the Chocolate Tour map here and see examples of samples here.

This coming weekend's "Pie in the Sky Pizza Challenge" has been canceled, but other events are ongoing during the exhibit, including yoga classes and more.

In addition, the shops of downtown will offer dining specials and deals each day while the exhibit's around. (See more here.)

"The ultimate goal of the Impulse seesaw installation is to draw people into town during a traditionally slow time of year while providing families from around the region a fun winter activity,” said Bob Zuckerman, Executive Director of Downtown Westfield Corporation.

According to the tour producer, cities that have hosted Impulse have reported business increases in the millions to their local economies.

Visitors are reminded to wear masks and maintain social distancing when visiting the seesaws, and sanitizing wipes will be provided.

The seesaws are made of polycarbonate, not the icy metal of the standard teeter-totter, and are set on thick foam mats.

Look for the seesaws in the North Avenue Westfield Train Station, 104 North Ave.

Details on the special deals and events can be found at this link: WestfieldToday.com, as well as on Downtown Westfield social media.

Sponsors and costs

The costs of the Impulse seesaws are fully funded by grants and sponsorships, namely by Main Street New Jersey, Columbia Bank, and Wonder.com, a home dining experience where dishes from the country’s best restaurants are prepared right outside your home. Harmony Design Group, Landscape Architecture & Construction, has been a partner sponsoring the setup of the Glo Downtown installation.

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