Walking for Wellness, the indoor walking program sponsored by Jacksonville Memorial Hospital, returns for another season of exercise and camaraderie beginning on Tuesday, Oct. 14.
The Walking for Wellness program at the JHS Bowl, 215 S. Church St., provides a safe place to walk when weather conditions make walking outside unpleasant or dangerous. The walking program will run through March 27, 2026.
Lyn Dietz, 77, started walking at the JHS Bowl about 13 years ago. The retired paraprofessional tries to log three miles each day, usually with her daughter. Her husband walks too slow, she said. She appreciates how the “regulars” keep an eye out for one another.
“You notice who’s there and who’s not,” she said. “It’s really good for those people who live alone – they have someone to check on them just through seeing them regularly on walk days.”
Lois Wicks, 98, has been logging laps through the program for 25 years. She enjoys getting out and meeting people. More than 50 people signed a birthday card for her.
Walkers of all ages can head to the JHS Bowl from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. each day Jacksonville School District 117 is in session. The program is closed during school holidays, including Thanksgiving and Christmas vacation, and any day school is not in session.
An average of 75 people walk at the JHS Bowl each day the program is open. Participating in Walking for Wellness is free. Registration is not required. Walkers will be asked to check in and out.
For more information, call 447-784-3212.