For immediate release - April 2, 2025
Press contact: Rylie Dorman
Step it Up Contact: Tabitha Corlett

Step it Up! is a free 8-week walking program that will begin this spring with Ottawa County Parks & Recreation

The Step it Up! program is a free, 8-week initiative designed to help participants of all fitness levels stay active while exploring Ottawa County Parks. Open to individuals and families alike, this program offers easy-to-use tools for goal setting and activity tracking. Whether you're beginning your fitness journey or simply looking to stay motivated, Step It Up! is the perfect way to get moving—one step at a time.

Supported by the Ottawa County Parks Foundation and made possible by Health & Wellness Sponsor AAA Storage, the Step It Up! program offers a variety of exciting benefits, including:

• Guided group walks and group adventures
• Discovering beautiful parks 
• Meeting new people
• Motivation and accountability by logging activity and setting goals
• Incentive prizes

Many participants share that Step It Up! is a fun way to meet their health and wellness goals. Learn more about how participants succeed by reading last year’s report.

"Great motivation to get outside, explore other parks, and exercise outside."
-2024 Step it Up! Participant

If you'd like information about how to engage your organization or workplace, please contact us.

The program kicks off on April 29! To sign up, visit: miottawa.org/stepitup

Group Walks & Activities

Throughout the program, participants will have the opportunity to join weekly guided group walks across various Ottawa County Parks, and even try out kayaking and canoeing! The program will culminate with the Grand Explorers' Trail Race, a special event that will take participants from Grand River Park to Grand Ravines.

Click here to view the full walk and activity schedule.

A Step it Up! Group Walk at Hemlock Crossing (2024).

Step it Up! begins April 29

>> Click here to sign up for Step it Up! today <<

Begin the Visit Every Park Challenge with Step It Up!

Step It Up! is also the perfect way to kickstart your journey in the Visit Every Park Challenge, a self-guided initiative designed to encourage individuals, families, and groups to explore the 40+ parks, open spaces, and 150+ miles of trails within the Ottawa County Parks system. Launched in 2025, the Parks Challenge invites participants to visit as many parks as possible throughout the year. By joining Step It Up!, you’ll get started on this exciting challenge while discovering the natural beauty and diverse landscapes Ottawa County has to offer.

How to Participate:

1. Get your Guide – Download and print the Park Challenge 2025 guide (Physical copies can be printed at the Nature Center) 
2. Explore the Parks –  Use our Parks Bucket List to help you plan your visits.
3. Track your Progress – Mark off each park you explore using the checklist in your guide.
4. Claim your Prize – Stop by the Nature Center to pick up your 2025 Parks Challenge Prize! (Prize pickup is available April 1 through December 31, 2025)

Visit the official website to learn more: miottawa.org/parkschallenge