COUNTY TO HOST FREE GUIDED WALKS THIS SPRING, SUMMER, AND FALL

Rockland County Executive Ed Day and County Health Commissioner Dr. Patricia Schnabel Ruppert encourage Rocklanders to put on their walking shoes and enjoy the “great outdoors!” Join experienced Rockland County Trail Guides on free guided walks offered by the county.

Senior Stretching! Enjoy an Easy Stroll at Demarest Kill Park
Saturday, May 26, 2018 from 10 – 11:30 a.m.

• Join Trail Guide Nice Mclean on this 1.5‐mile easy walk, which is flat with some paved surfaces, and some trail. This walk is designed for senior citizens; however, anybody is welcome to attend. There will be a variety of mild exercises with music. Exercises include a warm‐up, followed by stretching, toning, and balancing, using light taekwondo and self‐ defense movements, and ending with a cool‐down and meditation.
• Directions: From Main Street in New City, turn onto New Hempstead Road. The entrance to the park is located across from John Street. The park is before the intersection of New Hempstead Road and Little Tor Road. For more information visit https://goo.gl/maps/ueMeW9gQWwK2.
• Meet in the Park parking lot at 57 New Hempstead Road, between Little Tor Road and the jail, across from Johnson Road.
• No strollers or dogs are allowed on this walk. There are no restrooms at this park.

Fitness Walk at Hook Mountain and Nyack State Beach!
Saturday, June 2, 2018 from 9 a.m. (promptly) – 1:30 p.m. (approximately)

• Join Trail Guide Nice McLean as she leads you on a strenuous hike all the way up the mountain! This is an approximately 8‐mile, very difficult walk with some steep uphill walking. Walkers will then proceed down to Nyack Beach and return to the Firehouse along the flat river trail. The hike will also include stops at four ‘stations’ for approximately 10 minutes to do a variety of exercises including taekwondo, balancing, focusing, and stretching. All of this is done to music while in nature.
• Directions: From 9W North at Lake Road, make a right into Rockland Lake (North Entrance), stay to the left at the fork and pass the Knickerbocker Firehouse. You will see the parking area. There is limited parking here. For more information visit https://goo.gl/maps/ovamSvs5WNy
• Meet in the parking lot by the Firehouse at Rockland Lake State Park in Congers. Parking is limited.
• The walk is not stroller friendly, dogs are not allowed on this guided walk, and there are no rest rooms available along the walk.

There are three more guided walks planned for the summer and fall. Stay tuned by checking http://bit.ly/2dSBvpx for more details:

• Kennedy Dells: Saturday, July 21 from 10 a.m. – 12 noon
• Demarest Kill and Dutch Garden: Saturday, August 25 from 10 a.m. – 12 noon
• Samuel G. Fisher Mt. Ivy Environmental Park: Saturday, September 15 from 10 a.m. – 12 noon

“We hope County residents take advantage of this great chance to explore our beautiful, natural environment and get some exercise at the same time,” Dr. Ruppert said.

Important general information about the guided walks:

• Pre-registration for all walks is suggested (for some walks pre-registration is required). For more information or to register, call 845-364-2932 or e-mail rcsc@co.rockland.ny.us.
• Check http://bit.ly/2dSBvpx for more information, directions, and any changes to the schedule. Walks are held throughout the year – stay tuned by checking out the website periodically for updates.
• Hiking boots are recommended, or else closed-toe shoes with sturdy soles. Wear light-colored clothing and dress for the weather (bring a jacket, hat, and rain gear as needed). Bring snacks and plenty of water, bug spray, sunscreen, binoculars, and a walking stick if you would like.
• Meet in the parking lot, unless otherwise specified. All walks are rain or shine.
• Unless otherwise specified, these walks are not stroller-friendly, dogs are not allowed, and there are no rest rooms available.
• As with any physical activity program, it is recommended you speak to your physician before starting.
• All guided walks are coordinated and supported in partnership with the Rockland County Division of Environmental Resources, the Rockland County Youth Bureau’s Conservation and Service Corps program, and the Rockland County Department of Health.

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