Mayor Cave Discusses Summer Walking Program

Mayor Carmen Cave released a statement Thursday on the upcoming Summer Walking Program in Aliso Viejo.

The program begins July 11 and is meant to promote healthy lifestyles and Aliso Viejo's "walkable community." Walk Score, a website that measures how "walkable" a city is based on distance to amenities, gave Aliso Viejo an 83 out of 100. An 83 rating means the city is "very walkable" and "most errands can be completed without a car."

Below is Cave's statement in full:

"With warm temperatures and summer activities luring people of all ages to the Aquatic Center, beaches and local parks, now's the time to also consider enjoying the great Aliso Viejo outdoors by taking a walk.

"A few years ago, my council colleagues and I established Aliso Viejo as a "walkable community." Walkable communities are places in which most trips are made without a car. Essentially, every trip begins and ends with walking. Walkable communities are desirable places to live, work, learn and play. They are a key component of smart growth. Our walkable community is part of a larger plan to realize Aliso Viejo’s intrinsic urban nature, where goods and services are conveniently located close to residences and workers and where walking is the healthiest and most enjoyable way to get around.

"We are fortunate to live in a city with dramatic views, open space, trails and parks and clean streets and attractive neighborhoods. Aliso Viejo’s landscape is prime for fostering a healthy, happy lifestyle for folks of all ages. For example, this month, our city is hosting a Monday evening walking program that will take people for summer walks along the Aliso Creek Trail (details at cityofalisoviejo.com.) You can also take a vigorous or leisurely walk around our award-winning Town Center Loop Trail or walk to one of many local parks, restaurants or stores. During lunch, businesspeople can take a break from the daily grind by walking to Town Center or the Aliso Viejo Library. In the fall, parents can walk their kids to school.

"Our pedestrian infrastructure is seamlessly integrated into our parks and recreation amenities, and because so much of our community is dedicated to parks, recreation, schools, open space and community facilities, the opportunities to embrace a walkable Aliso Viejo are endless.

"To boot, while you walk, you can help be a part of your community by letting the city know what improvements you feel would make your neighborhood more walkable or things that should be changed. By embracing a walkable community, you can help shape our community’s future—while also keeping in shape. So while enjoying an array of summer activities, I hope you will remember to squeeze in a bit of walking. It's good exercise and a great way to bond with friends and family, while discovering new treasures in our community."

Where/When: 6-7 p.m. July 11, 18 and 25. Meet at 5:45 p.m. in front of Aliso Viejo Ranch, at 100 Park Ave.

For more information, call 949-425-2519 or email gduran@cityofalisoviejo.com.