The Butler County Wellness Council invites local residents to join them for “A Walk In the Park” later this month at Hendrickson Park.
The inaugural edition of the event will take place on Saturday, April 24, from 9 a.m. to noon and will offer activities for one and all, including a yoga class, trail tours, children’s activities, health and wellness booths and — of course — a walk in the park.
“The event will feature guided tours of the trail at Hendrickson Park, information about the community gardens, health and wellness vendors, outdoor exercise classes (yoga, tai chi), children’s activities, door prizes and a grand prize for the family with the most generations present at the event,” said Rebeca Pacheco, executive director of the Butler County Community Resource Council.
The event is a partnership between the Butler County Community Resource Council, the Butler County Health Department, the Poplar Bluff Parks and Recreation Department, Washington University and other partners in the community. Admission is free.
“The Wellness Council wants to provide individuals and families an opportunity to get outside and enjoy one of our local parks, learn about health and wellness and connect with others,” Pacheco said. “The Wellness Council is a partnership between Poplar Bluff Parks, Butler County Health Department, Washington University Prevention Research Center, Butler County University of Missouri Extension, Poplar Bluff Schools, Butler County Community Resource Council, community gardeners and the Department of Health and Senior Services.”
Tracy Campbell, the health educator for the Butler County Health Department, said that the Wellness Council wanted to create an event that would bring the community to the parks and get everyone outdoors to enjoy the fresh air after more than a year of living with COVID-19 restrictions.
“We all know how hard it can be to find health and wellness resources, so our event is geared toward making our community aware of what is out there for them to utilize that will promote a healthier lifestyle and better living,” Campbell said. “The event will feature numerous booths set up with resources and information on gardening, nutrition, physical fitness, dental hygiene, wellness checks, children’s activities, yoga and Tai Chi classes to try, door prizes and giveaways.”
Pacheco is hopeful this edition of A Walk In the Park will be the first of many.
“We want to showcase the park and educate the community about the parks, walking trails, community gardens and the other health and wellness services and amenities in Poplar Bluff and surrounding areas,” Pacheco said. “We want to encourage individuals and families to spend time outside for exercise and play. If the community response is good, we will definitely host another event.”
Campbell echoes Pacheco’s sentiments.
“We are all hoping that this event will become a yearly event and each year, it will bring out more people from our community,” Campbell said. “We want our community members to be aware of everything that is out there that will help them live a healthier lifestyle, and this event is 100% free. We still have plenty of booth space available to anyone who would be interested in setting up to hand out information, do demonstrations or health and wellness related promotions.”