April 7, 2026 - For immediate release
Press contact: Rylie Dorman, (616) 786-4774

Step It Up! Returns this Spring: Free 8-Week Walking Program with Ottawa County Parks

OTTAWA COUNTY, MI — Ottawa County Parks & Recreation is inviting residents and visitors to get moving this spring with Step it Up!, a free, 8-week walking program designed to promote physical activity while exploring local parks.

Open to participants of all fitness levels, the program motivates participants to stay active by tracking their weekly activity. Those who log their progress are eligible for weekly raffle prizes.

Participants can enjoy:

• Guided group walks and outdoor adventures
• Discovering beautiful parks 
• Meeting new people
• Motivation through goal-setting and activity tracking
• Incentive prizes

Many participants say the program is a fun and effective way to support their health and wellness goals.

"Whenever I participate in something like this it makes me more aware of how much I am moving and makes me want to move more than I normally would."

— 2025 Step it Up! Participant

The program begins April 28. To register, visit: miottawa.org/stepitup

Group Walks & Activities

Throughout the program, participants can join weekly guided group walks across various Ottawa County Parks, with opportunities to try activities such as canoeing and kayaking. 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

Step it Up participants on group walk.

Supported by the Ottawa County Parks Foundation Step It Up! is offered at no cost thanks to support from the Ottawa County Parks Foundation’s Health & Wellness Initiative, which helps fund programs and events that promote community well-being. Sponsors include Kris Reinhardt of Edward Jones, AAA Storage, Hulst Jepsen Physical Therapy, and Liz and Dean Hanson.

Step it Up! begins April 28

>> Click here to sign up today<<