New Stratford Walks Program Kicks Off Sept. 27

STRATFORD, CT — (From Town of Stratford): All Stratford residents who would like to walk outdoors a little more often, follow some designated walking routes to interesting places around town, and make some friends along the way are invited to the kick-off celebration of Stratford Walks on Tuesday, Sept. 27, at 1:30 p.m. at Baldwin Center.

Stratford Walks is a new town program funded by a Community Challenge grant from AARP that will update print and digital maps of 12 walking routes around Stratford, distribute the maps, and install benches along walking routes – all to encourage residents of all ages to walk outdoors more often and gain the benefits of improved health and increased social connections.

At the kick-off event new maps of walking routes will be distributed, town officials and volunteer leaders will introduce the program, and refreshments will be served. There are no costs associated with Stratford Walks, which is co-managed by the Town of Stratford’s Community & Senior Services Department and the Health Department.

Those who wish to arrive at 12:45 p.m. can join a volunteer-led short walk to the Academy Hill historic area and back to Baldwin Center in time for the 1:30 start of the event.

“This is a wonderful new program to support the health and wellness of older adults and every member of our community,” Mayor Laura R. Hoydick said. “I am proud that through this grant process AARP, a valuable partner of the Town, recognized our work to be what they call ‘a Livable Community’ for all ages, including our programs for health, community and senior services, our Transit Oriented Development, our environmental sustainability, Complete Streets, and so much more. I am also excited that the walking routes will showcase our many outstanding public spaces and parks.”

AARP’s Community Challenge program awarded $16,490 to Stratford to launch the Stratford Walks program.

The competitive grant program is awarded to only 8 percent of the applicants from across the United States.

AARP Connecticut State Director Nora Duncan said, “Every day, towns and nonprofit organizations across Connecticut work hard to ensure that people of all ages can enjoy everything their communities have to offer. Through the AARP Community Challenge Grant we can support that work. The Town of Stratford’s grant application stood out in a competitive year with more than 3,200 applications across the country. We look forward to seeing their project come to fruition.”

The Baldwin Center, Stratford’s hub for community and senior services and activities, is at 1000 W. Broad Street.