Evanston kicks off 15th walking program
- Evanston launched the 15th annual We’re Out Walking program on Saturday at Evanston Township High School, opening a 16-week wellness initiative citywide. - More than 300 people registered at kickoff, where 23 community partners offered classes, booths and demonstrations for residents of all ages. - Started in 2007 for women, WOW expanded citywide in 2017 and now runs on low-cost registration. (cityofevanston.org)
Evanston opened its 15th annual We’re Out Walking program on Saturday, April 25, at Evanston Township High School, starting a 16-week city wellness campaign. (dailynorthwestern.com) (cityofevanston.org) The kickoff ran from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Willie May Fieldhouse, with walking groups, fitness demonstrations, vendors, giveaways and registration for the spring-through-summer program. (cityofevanston.org) (patch.com) More than 300 people registered at the event, according to Evanston RoundTable, and 23 community partners and sponsors took part in this year’s kickoff and programming. (evanstonroundtable.com) (dailynorthwestern.com) The program is open to anyone who lives, works or plays in Evanston. City materials say it includes group walks, health and nutrition programming, fitness classes, a T-shirt, and an optional Wellable platform for tracking activity and joining challenges. (cityofevanston.org) (patch.com) WOW began in 2007 as a 12-week program for women. The city says it expanded in 2017 to include all ages, genders and ability levels, and it now runs as a 16-week communitywide initiative. (cityofevanston.org) (patch.com) Residents told The Daily Northwestern the appeal is the structure around movement, not just a single event. Fifth Ward resident Leslie Robinson said group activities help with “aches and pains,” while longtime participants Lucretia and Desiree Bond said they have watched the program broaden over time. (dailynorthwestern.com) Kayla Smith, an Evanston community health specialist, told The Daily Northwestern that at least one walking group kept meeting year-round after earlier WOW sessions ended. Smith said the program is “a sense of community, besides just health and wellness.” (dailynorthwestern.com) Registration costs $10 for participants ages 16 to 59 and $5 for children under 16 and adults 60 and older, with financial assistance available through the city. The program’s low fee is part of how Evanston has kept WOW accessible as it enters its 15th year. (cityofevanston.org) (patch.com)
