Virtual 5K can help city make parks more accessible

Berkley Parks and Recreation is encouraging people to take part in the mParks “Move so Everyone Can” Virtual 5K event through the end of the month.

The mParks Foundation since 2002 has worked to raise funds for accessible recreation and education.

So far the foundation has raised $3 million for communities statewide to make recreation available to wheelchair users and others regardless of their ability levels.

Funding from mParks has paid for accessible playgrounds and waterparks, making it possible for people in wheelchairs to get to the water at beaches, as well as onto boats at some of Michigan’s state parks.

Theresa McArleton, director of the city’s parks and recreation, said this is the first year Berkley is joining in the effort with mParks virtual 5K event.

Berkley and other nearby cities that partner with mParks receive a portion of the money raised in the virtual 5K that goes to specific projects.

McArleton said any funds Berkley gets will go toward picnic tables.

“A lot of the picnic tables in our parks are outdated,” she said. “We want to have picnic tables that have space for wheelchairs, and have the parks more full and well-rounded.”

Berkeley has been updating its parks and will have three new playgrounds set by the end of the year.

“We want to make the parks more multi-generational,” McArleton said.

There is a short form to fill out to register to take part in the 5K on the city’s website at berkleymich.org

A link on the homepage takes users to the parks and recreation department to access the mPark event.

The fee is $35. Participants get a participation medal and a T-shirt. Those who raise $250 or more, if they choose to do so, get a sweatshirt.

Participants can do their 5K and choose how and when they want to compete.

McArelton said they can run, walk, skateboard, bike, surf, handcycle, swim or use a stand up paddle board.

The only rule is to complete the event by Thursday, Sept. 30, and it is recommended that participants register now.

McArleton points out that there are good locations for racking up the 5K distance in Berkley parks, the city’s walkable downtown, or along neighborhood sidewalks.

“Another optional route is the Downtown Berkley Mural Bike Ride recently launched by MoGo,” she said, adding that the roundtrip ride covers more than three miles and riders can take in the public art in the downtown. “It’s a nice way for people to get around the city and feel like you are giving back as well.”