County Parks announces return of 'Step It Up!' walking program
Ottawa County Parks & Recreation is encouraging residents to lace up their sneakers this spring with the return of Step It Up!
OTTAWA COUNTY — Ottawa County Parks & Recreation is encouraging residents to lace up their sneakers this spring with the return of Step It Up!
The free eight-week wellness initiative starts April 28 and aims to boost community physical activity by combining fitness tracking with the exploration of local natural resources.
Designed for all fitness levels, the program emphasizes consistency over intensity. Participants are encouraged to track their weekly movement, with those logging progress becoming eligible for weekly raffle prizes.
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The initiative offers a blend of independent activity and community-led events, including:
- Guided group walks: Weekly excursions through various county park landscapes.
- Outdoor adventures: Specialized sessions featuring activities such as canoeing and kayaking.
- Goal setting: Tools for participants to monitor and achieve personal health milestones.
- Grand finale: The program concludes with the Grand Explorers Trail Race, a signature event connecting Grand River Park to Grand Ravines.
Beyond the physical benefits, the program is recognized for its social and motivational impact.
The program is offered at no cost to the public, funded by the Ottawa County Parks Foundation’s Health & Wellness Initiative. This year’s efforts also are supported by local sponsors, including Kris Reinhardt of Edward Jones, AAA Storage, Hulst Jepsen Physical Therapy, and Liz and Dean Hanson.
Registration is open to residents and visitors. Interested individuals can sign up and view the full schedule of guided walks by visiting miottawa.org/stepitup.
— Submitted by the Ottawa County Parks & Recreation Commission. To submit a news tip, email newsroom@ottawanewsnetwork.org.
