Pitt-Bradford Center for Rural Health Practice to Launch Walkworks Program
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BRADFORD, Pa. – The Center for Rural Health at the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford will launch its WalkWorks health initiative in Bradford, Kane, Smethport and Port Allegany.
WalkWorks is designed to identify and promote walking in communities.
Claudia Caminite, project coordinator, worked with borough managers and other local officials to identify flat, accessible walking paths. In addition to marking the paths with signs and sidewalk stencils, the program encourages walking groups.
Groups can be formed by individuals or corporations and include friends walking with dogs, parents walking with strollers or just those working toward greater fitness. Those who sign up can compete throughout the summer for group and individual prizes for logging the most miles.
The Smethport kickoff is planned for 11:30 a.m. May 18 in the parking lot of the Intermediate Unit 9 and the Hamlin Library on Mechanic Street.
Kickoffs will include speakers, giveaways and a group stretch before the walk. Participants will get a packet that includes a walking log and maps of the paths in all four communities, including points of interest along each path.
The Bradford kickoff will take place at 10:30 a.m. May 21 at the Sport and Fitness Center at Pitt-Bradford. The Kane kickoff is slated for 11 a.m. June 4 at The Depot on Fraley Street.
Arrangements for the Port Allegany kickoff have yet to be announced.
The Bradford route is 2.6 miles long and follows the path of the Richard E. McDowell trail.
The 1.8-mile Kane route circles Evergreen Park and also includes Fraley, Haines, Bayard, Dawson and Greeves streets downtown.
The Port Allegany route follows a 1.8-mile loop downtown that includes East Mill, Oak, Pine, Chestnut, Church and Pearl streets and East Arnold Avenue.
The 1.6-mile Smethport route circles Hamlin Lake along West Main, Washington, Willow and Mechanic streets as well as Park Lane.
For more information, contact Caminite at (814)362-5066 or clc209@pitt.edu.
