CHAMPAIGN, Ill. - Community members are invited to step into spring with a fresh perspective on health during an exciting new event series: Springtime Walks & Talks, hosted by University of Illinois Extension. This free series combines movement, education, and community connection across four local parks in May for an energizing mid-day break.
Each session will run from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM and feature a brief wellness activity or lesson, followed by a guided walk on a paved trail. Topics will focus on practical, everyday wellness strategies that participants can easily incorporate into their lives. To top it off, each walk will include a special giveaway for attendees.
Wellness Walk Schedule:
- May 1st: Crystal Lake Park (206 W Park, Urbana)
- May 8th: Kaufman Lake (2702 W Springfield Ave, Champaign)
- May 15th: Meadowbrook Park (2808 S Race St, Urbana)
- May 22nd: Hessel Park (1400 Grandview Dr, Champaign)
Participants are encouraged to bring comfortable walking shoes and a water bottle. In inclement weather, walks will move indoors to First Christian Church (3601 S Staley Rd, Champaign).
"This series is all about encouraging people to make time for their health, even in simple ways like walking," said event co-organizer and Extension Educator Emily Harmon. "We want to create a space where wellness feels accessible, fun, and connected to the community."
The Springtime Walks and Talks offer an easy and enjoyable way to move your body, learn something new, and meet others prioritizing well-being this spring.
The program is free, but registration is encouraged so you can be made aware of inclement weather-related location changes. Visit go.illinois.edu/SpringWalks for more information or register!
University of Illinois Extension develops educational programs, extends knowledge, and builds partnerships to support people, communities, and their environments as part of the state's land-grant institution. Extension serves as the leading public outreach effort for University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and the College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences in all 102 Illinois counties through a network of 27 multi-county units and over 700 staff statewide. Extension’s mission is responsive to eight strategic priorities — community, economy, environment, food and agriculture, health, partnerships, technology and discovery, and workforce excellence — that are served through six program areas — 4-H youth development, agriculture and agribusiness, community and economic development, family and consumer science, integrated health disparities, and natural resources, environment, and energy.