MISSION

GO WAUKEGAN is a community movement designed to increase community health through activity, education and collaboration. 

BACKGROUND

The Department of Health and Human Services advises the National Prevention Council on different strategies and the importance of partnership to advance the nation’s health through prevention. One of those strategies is to encourage people of all ages and stages of life to walk at least 30 minutes each day.

Inspired by this concept, the Waukegan Park District has partnered with the Lake County Health Department on this county-wide initiative to improve the health of Lake County residents by enhancing and increasing the shared experience of walking.

WALK WITH US

The GO WAUKEGAN movement is simple – encourage everyone in our community to walk at least 30 minutes a day. A daily walk in your neighborhood or at a park/trail of your choice, by yourself or with a neighbor – the goal is to get moving!

BENEFITS OF WALKING

• Improves mood
• Helps maintain a healthy weight
• Strengthens bones and muscles
• Improves balance and coordination
• Helps manage heart disease, high blood pressure and type two diabetes
• Improves sleep
• Slows mental decline associated with aging

HOW CAN I GET INVOLVED?

Anyone can get involved in GO WAUKEGAN simply by walking for 30 minutes a day! Here are a few ideas if you’d like to take it a step further:

• Invite your family, friends and neighbors to join you for regular walks in your neighborhood or at a park/trail of your choice.
• Wear your GO WAUKEGAN t-shirt when you’re out walking and if anyone asks about the shirt, tell them about GO WAUKEGAN.
• Organize a weekly “Walking Wednesday” event and invite everyone in your neighborhood to walk together.
• Snap a selfie next time you’re walking and submit it to Maria Contreras for a chance to be featured on the Waukegan Park District’s Facebook or Instagram page.
• Do you have other ideas to spread the word? Go for it! We need community support for this community health movement to be successful.

CONTACT US

If you’re interested in getting involved or have any questions, contact Javi Martinez at jmartinez@waukeganparks.org or (847)360-3621.