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August 15 - For Immediate Release
Media Contacts:
Jessica VanGinhoven, Ottawa County Parks (616) 405-3999
Amy Sheele, Ottawa County Department of Public Health (616) 393-5799
Ottawa & Allegan County, lace up your walking shoes & get ready for
a free 7-week walking challenge.
Ottawa and Allegan Parks and Recreation and Department of Public Health are teaming up to bring the community another Step it Up! Walking Challenge this September
 Parks Naturalist, Kelly Morrissey, leads a walking group at Paw Paw County Park in Holland. In the spring, over 800 participants walked 106,609.6 miles - four times around the world!
This fall, participants will “virtually walk” 225 miles along
the North Country Trail in the Upper Peninsula. The challenge begins on
Monday, September 19.
This program is designed to help the community stay active as
the weather cools. Participants of all fitness levels are invited to join and track their activity.
Those who report their weekly steps and activity will be entered to win a Fit Bit fitness tracker; one will be awarded each week of the challenge.
Optional group walks will be offered for those interested in checking out Ottawa County Parks and enjoying the fall color. Each walk will be led by a naturalist guide.
New for the fall challenge
Participants will be able to track their individual progress online, including their cumulative steps taken. The Ottawa County GIS Department designed a map for those walking to see how far they've made it along the virtual trail.
"We think participants will really enjoy this added feature," said Parks spokesperson Jessica VanGinhoven. "When you login to track your steps, you'll be able to see the weekly goal markers and also track your individual progress. It was great to team up with GIS to create a more interactive component."
URL: http://www.miottawa.org/parks/stepitup.htm
Registration closes September 15.
Group Walk Schedule
Week 1: Tuesday, September 20:
Hemlock Crossing, 6-7 PM
Week 2: Thursday, September 29: Hemlock Crossing, 10-11 AM
Thursday, September 29: Paw Paw Park (East), 6-7 PM
Week 3: Saturday, October 8: Hemlock Crossing, 4-5 PM
Week 4: Tuesday, October 11: Grand Ravines North, 6-7 PM
Week 5: Thursday, October 20: Grand Ravines North, 6-7 PM
Week 6: Saturday, October 29: Rosy Mound
Natural Area, 10-11 AM
Week 7: Thursday, November 3: Hemlock Crossing, 5:30-7 PM. This final walk will be followed by a family-friendly party at
the Nature Education Center!
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