Evanston launches 16-week walking program

Evanston launched its 15th annual We’re Out Walking program on Saturday, opening a 16-week wellness campaign at Evanston Township High School’s Willie May Fieldhouse. (dailynorthwestern.com) (evanstonroundtable.com) The city’s Health and Human Services Department runs the program, which is open to anyone who lives, works or plays in Evanston. This year’s kickoff drew more than 300 registrants, according to Evanston RoundTable. (cityofevanston.org) (evanstonroundtable.com) Participants can sign up for walking groups, fitness classes, wellness events and community walks hosted by local organizations across the city. The kickoff event was scheduled for April 25 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 1600 Dodge Ave. (dailynorthwestern.com) (content.govdelivery.com) (evanstonnow.com) The city describes We’re Out Walking, or WOW, as a family-friendly program for all ages and fitness levels. Registration costs ranged from $5 to $10 this year, according to the city’s March announcement. (evanstonroundtable.com) (content.govdelivery.com) (patch.com) WOW started in 2007 as a 12-week program for women and later expanded into a 16-week communitywide initiative. The city now calls it a cornerstone of wellness in Evanston. (patch.com) (cityofevanston.org) The April 26 launch marked the program’s 15th annual run, a sign that Evanston has kept the event going through multiple formats and expansions since its 2007 start. (dailynorthwestern.com) (patch.com) For residents, the pitch is simple: sign up, walk with other people, and plug into a calendar of classes and events that runs for four months. Evanston is using the program to turn exercise into a scheduled community activity instead of a solo routine. (cityofevanston.org) (dailynorthwestern.com) The next step is the rest of the 16-week season: neighborhood walks, partner-led events and classes spread across Evanston through the summer. (cityofevanston.org) (evanstonroundtable.com)