About 25 people gathered in downtown Amherst on Wednesday morning to take part in the inaugural Big Block Walk, an event promoting healthy living.
The event was promoted jointly by the town of Amherst and the Amherst and Area Trails Society, an organization formed to promote active living, walking trails and a regular downtown walk.
“The goal is to try and have the sidewalks along the walk a priority and cleared as quickly as possible in bad weather, so we can be sure at least that this is a good, safe walking area,” said Bill Schurman, Amherst’s recreation director.
The walk, which included several members of the Amherst Police Department, kicked off at 11:30 a.m. in front of the police station on Havelock Street. Participants headed down Havelock, rounding the block around Victoria, Church and Prince Arthur Streets. One loop of the block measured 0.7 km, while those wishing to finish three loops covered 2.1 km.
The walk will give people a safe alternative to the walking track at the Amherst Stadium and encourage more foot traffic downtown, according to trails society secretary Colleen Dowe, who said they hope to see the route used regularly.
The idea for the walk came from Deanne Fitzpatrick.
“We have learned that about 90 per cent of the people who are active in Amherst are walking or hiking, and she said, ‘Let’s give the people what they want,’” said Dowe. “From a health perspective, we also know it is one of the best things you can do to improve your overall health as it affects both physical and mental well-being.”
Twitter: @ADNandrew
About 25 people gathered in downtown Amherst on Wednesday morning to take part in the inaugural Big Block Walk, an event promoting healthy living.
The event was promoted jointly by the town of Amherst and the Amherst and Area Trails Society, an organization formed to promote active living, walking trails and a regular downtown walk.
“The goal is to try and have the sidewalks along the walk a priority and cleared as quickly as possible in bad weather, so we can be sure at least that this is a good, safe walking area,” said Bill Schurman, Amherst’s recreation director.
The walk, which included several members of the Amherst Police Department, kicked off at 11:30 a.m. in front of the police station on Havelock Street. Participants headed down Havelock, rounding the block around Victoria, Church and Prince Arthur Streets. One loop of the block measured 0.7 km, while those wishing to finish three loops covered 2.1 km.
The walk will give people a safe alternative to the walking track at the Amherst Stadium and encourage more foot traffic downtown, according to trails society secretary Colleen Dowe, who said they hope to see the route used regularly.
The idea for the walk came from Deanne Fitzpatrick.
“We have learned that about 90 per cent of the people who are active in Amherst are walking or hiking, and she said, ‘Let’s give the people what they want,’” said Dowe. “From a health perspective, we also know it is one of the best things you can do to improve your overall health as it affects both physical and mental well-being.”
Twitter: @ADNandrew
