Huntley set to enjoy walking benefits
HUNTLEY — With a nod to a Dire Straits’ song “Walk of Life”, Huntley residents will be “lacing up their walking shoes” this summer.
Huntley Park District hosted a kickoff event for GO Huntley, which promotes walking 30 minutes each day for better health. Participants who were given blue t-shirts with the GO Huntley logo and signed pledges to walk daily. They walked around the village park or to the concert at Huntley Town Square.
“This is the first such program in McHenry and Kane counties,” Scott Crowe, Huntley Park District Executive Director, told a crowd at Deicke Park July 18. “I first heard about the GO program in 2015 at a speech given by then U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy, when I was at Gurnee Park District, which started the program in 2016.”
“It is a great impact for our physical and mental health. Walking 30 minutes a day is an effective, simple way to prioritize health,” Crowe said.
Crowe said the Huntley Park District is happy with the response to GO Huntley.
“The turnout was good. The staff estimates we had about 150 people there, and we had good support from community agencies, our State Representative and our sponsor, Northwestern Medicine Huntley Hospital,” Crowe said.
A group of volunteers, called GO Huntley champions, will help coordinate future GO Huntley walk events in the area.
“Drawing on collaborations with community members, government agencies, clubs, as well as business, schools, and religious organizations, GO Huntley seeks to promote health, with an emphasis on outdoor movement. Getting moving is simple and easy to do. Commit to 30 minutes of daily activity, primarily walking. That’s the way to GO,” according to the park district web site.
Speakers at a Tuesday night event included Huntley Park Board President Keith Wold, Huntley Mayor Tim Hoeft, State Rep. Joe Sosnowski (R-69th District) and Northwestern Medicine Huntley Hospital Vice President of Operations Ellen Cleary.
Cleary said GO Huntley fits in well with its mission statement. She noted the 30 minute walks add up to 2,000 steps a day, or 1.75 miles.
“The Village of Huntley recognizes the benefit derived from the GO Huntley movement. I, Village President Timothy Hoeft, and the Village Board of Trustees, support and encourage all residents to GO Huntley,” Hoeft read from a Village Board proclamation.
“It’ll be great, something for the whole family,” Huntley Park Board Commissioner Melissa Kellas said.
Residents explained what they are already doing in frequent walks and many said the village offers a great amount of sidewalks.
“I walk for at least an hour and run in 5Ks. The bike trails and walking paths are great,” Mark Oefelein said.
“It’s great to bring the community together and get motivated,” resident Ray Bonno said.
For more information on GO Huntley, visit www.HuntleyParkDistrict.org or call 847-669-3180.
