In response to the success of last spring's activ-8 program, Knox County Health Department (KCHD) is bringing it back for fall with eight weeks of guided walks featuring different parks and greenways.
The first walk will be at Volunteer Landing on Oct. 5 at noon and will continue each Tuesday at different times and places to give participants a change of scenery (schedule is below). All walks are guided by KCHD Healthy Weight Program staff. There is no charge and everyone is welcome. Participants are asked to register by calling 215-5187 or at any of the walks. All registered participants will receive a reusable shopping bag, pedometer, healthy living tips, recipes, and a t-shirt."Walking is a safe, low impact physical activity with many health benefits," said Shana Masengill, KCHD Healthy Weight program director and certified exercise instructor. "Walking - like all physical activity - can help manage your weight, keep you strong and fit, improve your mood and reduce your risk of many diseases. Plus, it's fun to do with a group."
Walkers are urged to select comfortable footwear and dress in loose fitting, comfortable clothing. As the weather gets cooler, wear layers appropriate for the daily conditions. Bright colors or reflective tape is recommended for better visibility by motorists if you walk at dawn, dusk, nighttime or in fog.
Walking Schedule:
Oct. 5 - Volunteer Landing, noon
Directions: Park is in the downtown section. Take James White Parkway South to Neyland Drive. Park is on the shoreline of Tennessee River, near Calhoun's Restaurant and Gateway Marina.
Oct. 12 -Holston River Greenway 5:30 p.m.
Directions: Travel I-40 east and take the Asheville Hwy (exit 394); turn right onto Asheville Highway; go to red light and make a left onto Chilhowee Drive; go through 4-way stop; when the road dead ends' make a right onto Holston Hills Drive; go approximately 2 miles; at stop sign' cross Boyd's Bridge Pike; passing the Holston Health Care Center; park will be about half mile on the left.
Oct. 19 - Sequoyah Greenway, noon
Directions: West on Kingston Pike about a mile from the Neyland Drive and Kingston Pike interchange; across from Laurel Church of Christ make a left onto Cherokee Boulevard; the park has three different parts with three different entrances; all are on the left about one to two miles down the road.
Oct. 26 - Victor Ashe Park, 5:30 p.m.
Directions: Take Western Avenue headed west; after approximately four miles, turn right onto Pleasant Ridge Road; go approximately three miles (before Northwest Middle School) and turn left onto Bradshaw Road; park is on immediate right.
Nov. 2 - Tyson Park, noon
Directions: To get to the southern entrance of the park, go west on Cumberland Avenue past University of Tennessee's campus; after going under the overpass the park entrance will be on the right. To get to the western entrance of the park, go west on Cumberland Avenue at the Neyland Drive and Concord Street intersect; turn right onto Concord Street; park entrance will be on your right.
Nov. 9 - Ijams Park, 5:30 p.m.
Directions: From Interstate 40W Take James White Pkwy Exit (388A). Continue on two left lanes down James White Parkway. Cross over the TN River and take the Sevier Ave./Hillwood Dr. exit Turn Left onto Sevier Ave. (turns into Hillwood Dr.) Turn Right onto Island Home Ave. (at bottom of hill) Ijams is approximately 1 mile on the Left
Nov. 16 - First Creek Greenway, noon
Directions: James White Parkway to Summit Hill Exit. Right off exit, right on Central Avenue, right on Magnolia, left on Winona Street. Two blocks park will be on left and right side of street.
Nov. 23 - Lakeshore Park, 5:30 p.m.
Directions: From downtown Knoxville, take Kingston Pike headed west; turn left onto Northshore Drive at Western Plaza; park is approximately 2 miles on left at Lakeshore Institute.