Welcome to Week 4
Don't forget to record your steps!
As always, there is lots of info in this email, scroll down to:
- See last week's winners
- Check out other local walks & events you might be interested in -- including volunteer-led group walks!
- 9-minute Strength Workout Handout (jpg and pdf)
- See the full schedule for group walks & activities
Congratulations to last week's winners!
Parks t-shirt
- Mary Norton
- Michael DeYoung
2019 Parks Pass
- Rebecca Till
- Michele Dick
- Judy Knoper
- Colleen Skendzel
- Michelle Munley
- Roberta Mitchell
If you record steps/activity, you are automatically entered into a drawing for a prize! Don't forget to enter your steps!
More walking groups... you asked and we listened!
Many of you have requested that Step it Up be a year round program. We are unable to offer that, but have a plan to offer group walks at different locations all throughout the year! We have a fantastic group of volunteers who are going to make it happen! In a few weeks, you will receive a complete list of the various walk locations/times/days of the week and we will launch this new Ottawa Walks program after Step It Up ends. But, for those of you that are ready to get out and start walking now with a neighborhood group, here are some options:
1) Group walk with a Registered Dietitian
Wednesdays at 5:30 pm – locations vary. Pre-registration is required to obtain schedule (registration is easy and free!). Register at: http://www.spectrumhealth.org/zeeland (Go to the classes and events tab and then health and fitness tab and complete form) or call # (616) 772-4644.
Walk is approximately 1-2 miles and you can talk with the dietitian or ask questions while walking. Also covers a brief health topic each week. *These walks are happening now – feel free to join in, but be sure to register!
2) Tuesday evenings at 6:00 pm at Grand Ravines (North) in Jenison
Meet at Grand Ravines North (entrance off 42nd Ave), near the Lodge restrooms. These walks will start Tuesday, May 7 at 6:00 pm and will be offered every Tuesday, unless otherwise noted here. No RSVP is required – just show up and be ready to walk!
Click here for more info about Grand Ravines.
3) Friday mornings at 10:30 am at Central Park in Spring Lake
Meet by the restrooms. This walk will be an easy flat bike path surface that will last about an hour with plenty of benches for a rest along the way. These walks will start Friday, May 17
4) Saturday mornings at 8:30 am, Grand Ravines (South) in Jenison
Meet near the windmill at Grand Ravines South (dog park entrance). These walks will start Saturday, April 27 at 8:30 am and will be offered every Saturday, unless otherwise noted here. No RSVP is required – just show up and be ready to walk!
Click here for more info about Grand Ravines.
Please keep in mind that the walks listed above are led by volunteers, not naturalist guides. There will not be any pace groups or maps. It's just another chance to get some steps in as a group.
Strength Training
We hope you have been enjoying the new strength training component of Step it Up! Here is a guide to some of the movements you have been shown. You can download a pdf here.
What's up with the wait list for group walks?
New this year, we are asking for RSVPs for the group walks and we are capping the number of walkers (for most walks around 150). This will ensure that we are prepared and have enough staff, volunteers, and parking available to offer participants the best possible experience. If you RSVP and are on the wait list, we'll do our best to accommodate you. If a spot opens up for you, you'll receive an email stating, "you made it off the wait list!" and asking you to claim your ticket. Please claim it. Eventbrite gives 24 hours or passes the spot on to the next person.
If you RSVPd for a walk, but can't make it. Use the RSVP link to cancel your ticket. That will open a spot up for someone on the wait list.
Thank you all for your patience and understanding with this new component of the program!
Volunteers
We are always looking for Group Walk volunteers. If you are interested in being a Group Walk volunteer, sign up here. Volunteers are paired up with Naturalists Guides and bring up the rear of the group to make sure no one is left behind. That usually means a slower walk for you, but your help is greatly appreciated. If you sign up to be a volunteer, you do NOT have to also RSVP for the walk.
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