Walking in Winter

We all know that walking is good for us – we hear it on the news, from our physicians, and it just makes sense. But if you’re not yet convinced that walking is the way to get moving, here are a few pieces of information that might change your mind.

• The Mayo Clinic advises that regular brisk walking can help maintain a healthy weight, strengthen bones and muscles, and improve your mood, balance, and coordination (Mayo Clinic, 2016).
• According to a survey conducted by the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA), “more than half (58%) of Americans manage their daily stress by going for a walk or run around their neighborhood,” and an additional “36% of Americans use a trail for hiking, running, or walking” (National Park and Recreation Association, 2018).
• And NRPA is not alone in their findings. The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) found in their Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan that “walking for pleasure is the most popular activity in the state (80%)” (Illinois Department of Natural Resources, 2015).

So now that snow has started to fall, and people are starting to hibernate a bit, how can you fit this healthy form of exercise into your routine?

Palatine Park District is here to help! The District offers a variety of free and low-cost walking options for residents and non-residents alike.

Community Center Indoor Walking Track • 250 E. Wood Street, Palatine
The indoor elevated track at Community Center is 14 laps per mile. Walking at Community Center is free to all, no pass is necessary.

Falcon Park Recreation Center Indoor Walking Track • 2195 N. Hicks Road, Palatine
The indoor elevated track at Falcon Park is 12 laps per mile. A free pass is available for residents with proper ID, and non-residents can obtain a pass for just $15 per year.

Ost Field Outdoor Walking Track • Corner of Fremont & Colfax Streets, Palatine
The outdoor track at Ost Field, located behind Community Center, is 4 laps per mile. This walking option is free to all, no pass is necessary, and the track is plowed during the winter months after all buildings are cleared of snow.

Palatine Trail • Paths located throughout Palatine Park District
Palatine Park District maintains approximately 10 miles of off-road paved trail located throughout the District. Many of these paths connect to trails in adjacent communities and forest preserves. Enjoying these outdoor trails is free to all, no pass is necessary. During the winter months, some sections of trail are plowed after buildings are cleared of snow. These paths include Maple Street to Hicks Road, pathways at Falcon Park, and pathways at Hamilton Reservoir. Trail maps are available at all recreation centers and can be viewed online under Guide to Parks & Trails.