Valley In Motion Celebrates National Walk to a Park Day with JFK Elementary Students

Every year, Valley In Motion proudly celebrates National Walk to a Park Day, a nationwide reminder of how important parks and walkable neighborhoods are to our physical, social, and mental well-being. This year, we kicked things off a day early with a joyful morning at Connell Park, joined by Mayor Paige Cognetti and enthusiastic students from JFK Elementary School.

Even though the air was brisk, the energy was anything but. As soon as we arrived, the students helped bring the park to life with bright colors, lots of laughter, and plenty of movement.

A Morning of Play, Creativity, and Community

To warm up, everyone jumped right into a series of fun activities:

• Jump rope sessions that kept everyone moving (and warm!)

• Sidewalk chalk drawings that transformed the pavement into a gallery of student creativity

• Rock painting, giving students a chance to express themselves and leave behind a little color for others to enjoy

• And of course, plenty of time on the playground, where swings, slides, and climbing structures were buzzing with excitement

These simple, joyful moments highlight exactly what National Walk to a Park Day represents—encouraging children, families, and community members to get active and rediscover the parks in their own neighborhoods.

Why Walkability and Parks Matter

Parks are more than recreational spaces—they’re community anchors. Walkable access to green spaces:

• Encourages healthier lifestyles

• Helps students develop lifelong habits of movement

• Supports mental and emotional well-being

• Strengthens the sense of community among neighbors

At Valley In Motion, we believe that every resident should be able to reach a safe, welcoming park by foot. Events like this help remind us why we continue advocating for walkable design, vibrant public spaces, and equitable access to recreation.

Thank You to Our Partners and Participants

A special thank-you goes to Mayor Cognetti, the faculty and students of JFK Elementary, and everyone who bundled up and helped make the morning memorable. Your enthusiasm and community spirit are what keep our mission moving forward.

Keep Walking, Keep Exploring

National Walk to a Park Day may come once a year, but the benefits of stepping outside and discovering nearby parks last far beyond a single morning. We encourage everyone in the Valley to take a walk, explore a new park, and enjoy the beauty and connection that comes with time spent outdoors.