Community partners and residents from across the City of Richmond are coming together to host the third annual “Walk to Nature” event on Saturday, August 29^th, 2015. The origin of the walk comes from several day outings that fiscal sponsor, YES, and partner, East Bay Regional Park District, have conducted over the years to introduce Richmond families to nearby regional parks in Richmond that can be accessed easily and affordably. 

The purpose of the walk is to promote physical activity and good health while connecting with one’s community in nature.

This year’s event is being planned and implemented by the YES adult leadership program the YES Wellness Navigators. 

The YES Adult Wellness program is grounded in grassroots peer leadership and advocacy practices. The Program supports the leadership of African American and Latino caregivers who are infrequently afforded the opportunity to engage as leaders in their communities.

The YES Wellness Navigators support and pioneer local health and wellness initiatives in the  schools and neighborhoods of Richmond.

We are excited to announce that the theme of this year’s event is centered around the Walking School Bus.  The Walking School Bus is a program of Safe Routes to Schools, and is a way for parents and community members to get to school safely while being active and walking to school together.  This Walk to Nature will be a huge Walking School Bus!

Many other community partners will also be on hand to celebrate the beginning of the school year with a resource fair happening at Keller’s Beach.  The West Contra Costa Unified School District will also be available to help families become more involved in their schools.  

Participants will register and the Richmond Greenway at 6^th & Ohio in Central Richmond at 9:30 AM. Departure to Keller Beach inside Miller Knox Regional Shoreline in Pt. Richmond will take place at 10:00 AM.  Participants will walk the 2 miles to Keller Beach together.

When participants arrive at their starting points, they will register and receive a water bottle, wristband, and route map. Along the route, water and first aid stations will be overseen by volunteers. Upon arriving at Keller Beach at approximately 11:00AM, participants will be greeted with fun activities for the whole family, including swimming. At 12:00PM, a free, delicious lunch will be served and starting at 2:00 PM, buses will transport participants from Keller Beach back to their starting point on the Greenway.

Participating agencies and sponsors include: Building Blocks for Kids, City of Richmond, Contra Costa Health Services, East Bay Regional Park District, E.M. Downer Family YMCA, Lifelong-Brookside, Richmond Police Department, Urban Tilth, Rich City Rides, Girls Inc, LOL Educational Community, Weigh of Life, and YES Nature to Neighborhoods.

Join us for a great day featuring fun, physical activity, food and friendship! See you there!! 

If you would like more information or would like to be involved in the event, please visit www.facebook.com/YES Nature to Neighborhoods, email [email protected], or call 510-232-3032.

By: Nancy Barba, YES Families

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