New walking maps in Kirkland, Issaquah and Duvall promote physical activity

KING COUNTY, WASHINGTON - The Cities of Kirkland, Issaquah and Duvall have joined with Public Health - Seattle & King County in releasing eight walking maps of Issaquah, Kirkland and Duvall, highlighting safe walking routes through neighborhoods, city parks, trails, open spaces and community sites.

"Choosing walking over driving is an excellent alternative. By walking we promote our health, meet more neighbors, build community and decrease traffic congestion and pollution," said Dr. Alonzo Plough, Director of Public Health - Seattle & King County.

"Issaquah is proud of its extensive parks, open spaces and trails, and these two maps are an excellent catalyst for our community to start walking and enjoying the outdoors," said City of Issaquah Mayor Ava Frisinger, who is also a member of the King County Board of Health.

"We have five great new walking maps of Kirkland. We are working to make walking a safe and enjoyable way to stay healthy and get around our community," said City of Kirkland City Manager Dave Ramsay.

Public Health and cities are working to promote an environment that encourages safe walking and bicycling. Also, walking maps are part of Public Health's strategy to encourage residents to meet the Surgeon General's recommendation of doing 30 minutes or more of moderate-intensity physical activity throughout the day, five or more days of the week.

Pick up a map

Kirkland, Issaquah and Duvall maps are available on Public Health's website www.metrokc.gov/health/exercise

Issaquah maps are available at the Issaquah Community Center, Issaquah City Hall/Police Station and the Chamber of Commerce Visitor Center, or the website www.ci.issaquah.wa.us

Kirkland maps are available at the local fire stations, City Hall, Kirkland Library, North Kirkland Community Center and Kirkland's Senior Center.

Kirkland has issued five maps

Easy Moss Bay Walks: This walking map offers pleasant meandering walks through Peter Kirk Park and along Kirkland's waterfront to the south of town.

Easy Houghton Walks: Central Houghton offers residential walks on sidewalks taking you to the neighborhood's favorite parks and view vistas.

Easy Totem Lake Walks: Suggested walks in Totem Lake take advantage of the green space in this commercial/retail area. Evergreen Hospital walks are linked to natural areas and points of historic interest.

Easy Lakeview Walks: Lakeview's walks have a unique blend of scenic waterfront walks and routes through wetlands for bird watching.

Easy Everest Walks: This small neighborhood has a nice blend of walks on neighborhood streets as well as in and around the neighborhood Everest Park.

Issaquah is issuing two maps

Issaquah Walks - Parks, Open Spaces & Walking Map: This walking map highlights the multiple use trails that connect the City's downtown neighborhoods, commercial districts and parks. The map includes route descriptions and features the City's Edible Landscaping Tour.

Issaquah Family Forest Walks: Tradition Plateau is an attractive forest walking area for families because it is relatively flat and there are numerous interesting natural features to keep young people interested. In addition, the Around the Lake - Bus Trails Loop is an accessible trail, built to Americans with Disabilities Act standards. Viewing platforms of Lake Tradition are also found along this trail loop.

The Duvall walking map features routes on Main Street, the Old Town Neighborhood, the eastern neighborhoods and the Snoqualmie Valley Trail.

For more information on physical activity, chronic disease prevention and local physical activity resources, visit Public Health's physical activity website: www.metrokc.gov/health/exercise

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