By Mark Squibb
Over the summer, members of Mount Pearl’s municipal enforcement division have been meeting with seniors every second week for a guided walk along the city’s trailways.
This Thursday past marked the final Safe Seniors Walk of the season.
“The initiative has been a great success,” said Mayor Dave Aker. “We’re targeting seniors and anybody who may feel a little uncomfortable walking the 70 kilometres of trails in the city.”
Aker said as many as 30 people, many of whom are members of the Senior’s Independence Group, attended each event. They met at a different location each session to mix things up and cover as much ground as possible.
“It’s nice that we can make the trails more accessible to more than just your typical, average walker,” said Aker. “It encourages physical activity, which, at the end of the day is good for people’s mental health, and it’s been great for those dealing with loneliness, because you’re going out with a small crowd. There are so many health benefits. I can’t praise our municipal enforcement division enough.”
Organizers also hosted special mug ups, complete with coffee, tea, and snacks.
Following this inaugural season, Aker said organizers will gather feedback to try and make next summer’s program even better.
Seniors, meanwhile, can join the Mount Pearl Senior’s Independence group or register for a senior fitness class at the Summit Centre.
