As St. Louis Park Recreation Superintendent Jason West reflected on the beginning of Walk the Park, he said the walking group originated from a Park local. 

“Frank (Freedman), a community resident, came to me and said he would want to explore the park system more and have an open recreational walking group,” West said. “He teamed up with the parks and recreation department to help sponsor this event.”Freedman said Walk the Park began with fitness and helping others in mind.

“(Walking) reduces the amount of problems people will have (and) reduces hypertension,”Freedman said.

West said Walk the Park started nearly two years ago, forming a space where everyone is welcomed. 

“It is open to people of all ages,” West said. “We’ve had families with strollers, we’ve had seniors, the whole gamut.”

According to West, participation decreases as walking moves indoors. 

“We go in the middle school in the winter time and then the spring, summer and fall we are outside hitting all the different trails in St. Louis Park,” West said.

Freshman soccer player Kwane Fokuo said Walk the Park would be a good opportunity for students. 

“I think it’s good because on the off season we’ll have something to do to keep our energy up and our physicality up,” Fokuo said.