Get ready to hit the ground walking! From September 1 through 30, Apex Park and Recreation District will again host two fun-filled activities with walking as the centerpiece:?The Backyard Adventure, a series of community fitness and nature hikes, and Step-Tember, an incentive program with the goal of encouraging people of all ages to add at least 2000 steps to their daily activities for a month.

The Backyard Adventure spotlights trail walking on the City of Arvada’s scenic and diverse trail system.  There are two guided hikes and 19 individual hikes in the program, and those who finish a portion of the hikes will receive a free drawstring backpack when they turn in their completed forms.
The first hike, at 9 am on September 13, is led by Dudley Weiland, local naturalist, and accompanied by an Apex Park and Recreation District staff member.  This walk is about 3 miles long, and on the way you’ll discover the rich and diverse wildlife right in your backyard. Bring the whole family for a refreshing morning and a wealth of fun nature facts presented by a very knowledgeable and entertaining Arvadan!

The September 20 walk, again starting at 9 am, is led by Apex personal trainer and master nutritionist Jaye Alynn, who has lots of ideas on how to enhance your enjoyment of fitness walking, as well as tips on nutritional support.  All ages will enjoy the beautiful scenery on the Van Bibber Creek trail.

Both guided walks finish around 10:30, depending on the pace of the group.

The individual walks are scenic trail segments recommended by trail designers and users. See the guidebook for locations, length and other details. If you took part in the Backyard Adventure last year, there are several new segments to try.  Those who complete eight or more walks, including one guided walk, will receive a commemorative drawstring backpack and entry in a prize drawing.

The Backyard Adventure is also part of a national special event, “Steptember,” sponsored by America On The Move. Steptember spotlights one of AOM’s simple goals for Americans to become more active—2000 extra steps per day, or about a mile. To support that effort, a number of agencies and communities in Jefferson County have set a combined county-wide goal of 40 million steps in September! When you turn in your Backyard Adventure results, your mileage will count toward this total.

The second component of Step-Tember takes place in all Apex Park and Recreation District facilities.  Just pick up a sheet of activities with corresponding step counts and track each day, then turn in your totals by October 1.  There are prizes for the most steps during the month, the most steps on any given day, and everyone who turns in a sheet with at least 2000 steps is eligible for a prize drawing to win a choice of great prizes.
For more information and forms, visit www.apexprd.org or stop by any Apex Park and Recreation District facility.  For information on America On The Move’s programs and principles, visit www.americaonthemove.org.