The Spokane Regional Health District and Inland Northwest Trails have produced some great new walking maps of Spokane neighborhoods available for free in libraries and also online. Here’s the scoop:
New maps highlight our area’s many walking routes
Free maps designed to get people out and active
SPOKANE, WA –The Spokane Regional Health District has published a new fold-out walking map to encourage people to be more active by trying out area routes. The routes were chosen for features such as fitness level, restrooms along the path, safety, and historical points of interest.
“Living in the Inland Northwest, we are surrounded by many beautiful places to walk”, says Dr. Joel McCullough, Health Officer for the Spokane Regional Health District, “We hope these maps will get families more familiar with the routes and get them outdoors and active together. It’s fun for everyone and best of all, they are free.”
Lack of physical activity is linked to an increase risk to chronic diseases, such as diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and some cancers. In Spokane, 61% of adults are either overweight or obese and 22 % of teens are considered overweight or obese. Thirty-nine percent of Spokane adults report that they do not meet the recommended levels of physical activity. Taking a brisk walk for 30 minutes 5 or more days a week meets the recommended level. The 30 minutes can be broken into segments but have to be at least 10 minutes at a time to get the heart-health benefit. To lose weight, brisk walking for a longer period, up to 60 minutes or more 5 days a week is needed.
The maps were designed in partnership with the Spokane Regional Health District’s Physical Activity and Nutrition Program, the National Park Service- Rivers and Trails Program, and the Inland Northwest Trails Coalition. Eight routes are identified and each one includes notation on mileage, steps, and calories burned. The trails are for beginners and for individuals of all ages and ability levels. Amenities such as benches and rest rooms are indicated on the maps and tips on safety and beginning walking are highlighted.
Maps of individual routes can be viewed and printed from: http://www.srhd.org/topics/walkingmaps.asp Printed maps, including all eight routes, are available at all area libraries and the Spokane Regional Health District. On June 6th, the maps will be distributed at the Fish Lake Trail Clean Up from 9-12pm. Additional routes will be mapped soon and available on the Health District’s website and the Inland Northwest Trails website, www.inlandnorthwesttrails.org
.
The Spokane Regional Health District has been promoting and protecting the health of the citizens of Spokane for 37 years. Public health succeeds by identifying and addressing patterns of disease, illness, and injury in populations. Through the use of population-based strategies for disease and injury prevention, public health has contributed to the decline in illness and injury, including heart disease and stroke, tobacco-related diseases, infectious diseases and motor vehicle and workplace injuries.
Julie Graham
Public Information Manager
Spokane Regional Health District
1101 W College Avenue
Spokane WA 99201
(509) 324-1539
