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Our Residents

Forest Park Manor walkers strut their stuff on Tuesdays

Forest Park Manor walkers strut their stuff on Tuesdays

If it’s Tuesday afternoon, it’s a sure bet that Forest Park Manor walkers have donned sneakers and are out briskly touring the park nearby.

The ‘Walking Group’ – the unofficial name for the residents who exercise and enjoy nature together once a week – has been going strong for nearly two years now, under the auspices of SHA Resident Services Coordinator Candra Cripps. She said the group, which numbers upwards of a dozen at times, is committed enough to head for the outdoors even in a light rain, or on a chilly day.

“The whole group just really enjoys getting out, socializing, and getting some exercise,” Cripps explained.

Forest Park Manor Walkers Robert Lucey, SHA Resident Services Coordinator Candra Cripps, Sandy Cripps and Lorraine Shaw get started in Forest Park. Mika the dog is in front.

Forest Park Manor Walkers Robert Lucey, SHA Resident Services Coordinator Candra Cripps, Sandy Cripps and Lorraine Shaw get started in Forest Park. Mika the dog is in front.

Regular walker Robert Lucy, a Forest Park Manor resident the past nine years, said the weekly outings are fun, and good for his health.

“I like the company, and I like the exercise,” he explained. “It’s a chance for any of us who can make it on a Tuesday to get together, take a nice walk and just enjoy each other’s company, catch up.”

Cripps said the group began after a formal exercise class ended in the Community Room at Forest Park Manor. So many of that group wanted to keep working out together in some fashion that she organized a weekly walk.

“People wanted to keep up the health habits, and they like to go into the park as a group, rather than alone,” Cripps said. “There’s safety in numbers.”

Walkers Robert Lucy, Candra Cripps, Sandy Cripps and Lorraine Shaw stop at the Farmer's Market.

Walkers Robert Lucey, Candra Cripps, Sandy Cripps and Lorraine Shaw stop at the Farmer’s Market.

Forest Park Manor is home to some 125 elderly and disabled residents, and is an active community that includes many who participate in an array of activities, from exercising and medical seminars to holiday parties and games.

Those who walk repeatedly cite the known health benefits of the low-impact exercise as part of their reason for partaking. Health experts say regular walking at a brisk pace is known to maintain healthy weight, prevent things like heart disease, high blood pressure and type 2 diabetes, improve balance and coordination, and just make you feel better all around.

Forest Park Manor walkers like Lorraine Shaw couldn’t agree more.

“I love walking,” said Shaw. “I used to talk in the park by myself. Now I like to walk in a group.”

Shaw said she feels noticeably better when she fits regular walking into her days.

“It’s just good for you. I like to keep myself in shape. When I walk, I feel good,” she said.

Another regular walker is Cripps’ mother, Sandy Cripps, who makes the drive over from her home to join in whenever possible.

“I like to get out in the nice air and the nice park. And I like being with the people. Exercise is always good. It’s a great thing for anyone who participates,” she said.

Mika the dog likes a brisk walk, as Forest Park Manor resident Robert Lucey knows.

Mika the dog likes a brisk walk, as Forest Park Manor resident Robert Lucey knows.

On a recent day, the walkers met in the Community Room, picked up Mika, a resident’s dog, and headed into the park, where the weekly Farmer’s Market caught their attention for a short while. On the way back, they often stop to buy organic cheese, produce or other items.

They headed for the JFK Memorial and Eternal Flame on the northeastern edge, and then made a circle around the park. In all, they might walk two or three miles.

Candra Cripps said the walking group is likely to grow in numbers as the warmer weather arrives. As usual, activities are open to residents as well as non-residents.

 

3972 days ago / Our Residents
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