Lodi parks receive health grant

For those looking to stay healthy and fit, Lodi will soon offer more fitness options.

According to Lodi Parks and Recreation Director Jeff Hood, Lodi was one of 300 recipients of a health grant to start the “Walk With Ease” exercise program. The grant was awarded by the Center for Disease Control through the National Recreation and Parks Association in partnership with the Arthritis Foundation and other public health agencies.

“A lot of what we do in recreation is aimed at children, and we’re proud of the service we provide for children. But our population is the oldest in San Joaquin County,” Hood said. “As part of our strategic action plan we found that 37 percent of households had a need for senior health and fitness programs and adult fitness and wellness programs were determined to be our top priority for programs out of 21 categories.”

Hood said the findings came from a survey of the community, demographic trends, focus groups and public meetings. While Hutchins Street Square has a heated indoor swimming pool that offers many activities and classes geared toward seniors, the city is limited in its recreational programs for seniors, Hood said.

Hood said that the program is not specifically for seniors and is available to people who aren’t getting the exercise they need or those who may have arthritis.

“It’s a community wellness and health activity,” Hood said, noting that he recently saw a statistic from the National Recreation and Parks Association that a quarter of all adults over 50 don’t exercise at all.

“For people who might be in that group in Lodi, the program might be an opportunity for them to make a lifestyle change,” Hood said.

Hood anticipates that the “Walk With Ease” program will start in April and said it will be free to the public.

The program, which will include warm-up stretches and strengthening exercises, will initially be held at Hutchins Street Square and then moved to DeBenedetti Park after the parking lot and trail is constructed. Hood said the trail will have a one-mile walking loop.

Classes will typically be held in the mornings and water and shade will be provided, Hood said.

For those who would like more information on the program email prdept@lodi.gov.