Press release: Step It Up! Walking Challenge results

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July 11 - For immediate release
Media contacts: Jessica VanGinhoven, Ottawa County Parks: (616) 405-3999

Amy Sheele, Ottawa County Department of Public Health: (616) 393-5799 

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Step it Up! Walking Challenge sees excellent results

As a group, the Step it Up! participants walked 106,609.6 miles. That's four times around the world!

From April through June, the Ottawa County Department of Public Health and Ottawa County Parks collaborated to present a free walking program to county residents, encouraging them to get outside and get moving after a cold winter. Each week participants were presented with a goal mileage to keep them on track throughout the challenge. 

"We were thrilled by the overwhelming response from the community," said Department of Public Health representative Amy Sheele. "We especially appreciated the participation of Four Pointes in Grand Haven and the Commons of Evergreen in Holland. Their friendly competition was very motivating for their members!" Over 200 participants were members of one of the two senior centers.

To help participants reach their weekly goal, group walks were offered in various Ottawa County Parks. The walks were led by Parks naturalists and volunteers. "The walks were a huge success. Each week we heard from participants who were visiting parks they hadn't previously known existed," said Parks spokesperson, Jessica VanGinhoven. 

"It was great to be able to partner with the parks department. So often our goals overlap and this is a perfect example," said Sheele. "The partnership will continue this fall!"

The feedback was incredibly positive. In a post-program survey participants were asked to comment on their experience. 

• "Great program! Fun activities, enthusiastic leaders, and helped me get moving and back outside and on the fitness track this spring!"
• "This is the best governmental run social program in which I've ever participated. It was smart, goal-oriented, and easy to do. I would not make any changes to this program. It's a gem!"
• "Loved the program! Please do this again. I loved being held accountable for my steps and logging them each week. The weekly hikes were a nice way to meet people."

Grant funding was secured to offer a Step it Up! Fall Colors program in collaboration with Allegan County. Those interested in receiving information about the fall program can sign up for "Parks - Walking Groups at http://miOttawa.org/connect.