KING COUNTY, WASHINGTON - There is more than one route to fitness for walkers in North Bend and Snoqualmie, the latest cities to join with Public Health - Seattle & King County to create walking maps promoting physical activity. The color-coded maps highlight and describe routes in each city for safe walking through neighborhoods, city parks, trails, open spaces and community sites.

“We’re working to provide more opportunities for people to be active and improve their health,” said King County Executive Ron Sims. “Safe, enjoyable routes for walking are an important part of our quality of life, and these maps are a great way to promote our communities.”

As part of today’s map unveiling, Executive Sims and Dorothy Teeter, Interim Director and Health Officer for Public Health – Seattle & King County, joined with Snoqualmie Valley leaders to kick off the Step Up to Health – Snoqualmie Valley initiative to promote physical activity among local residents.

“Walking is a great way to get to know your neighbors, learn about your community, and improve your health,” said City of Snoqualmie Mayor Matt Larson. “We’re pleased to offer this map as a resource for our residents and visitors.”

“Exercise is a key to long life and promotes physical and mental health. This map helps to recognize everyone’s physical activity and promotes everyone’s well being,” said City of North Bend Mayor Ken Hearing.

“Walking can be an important first step in starting a healthy lifestyle,” Jeanne Acker, President of Si View Metropolitan Parks District.

The Snoqualmie walking map has seven routes on Snoqualmie Ridge, and another five in downtown Snoqualmie. From easy to more challenging treks, they range from 20 to 60 minutes in duration. The North Bend map has seven routes of varying terrains, going up to a mile in length.

Walking maps are part of Public Health – Seattle & King County’s efforts to improve access to physical activity and encourage residents to be more active throughout their day. The Surgeon General recommends doing 30 minutes or more of moderate-intensity physical activity throughout the day, five or more days of the week.

Pick up a map:

• Snoqualmie and North Bend maps are downloadable from Public Health’s website at www.metrokc.gov/health/exercise/maps.htm. Including the maps announced today, 20 community walking maps are now available.
  
  
• Snoqualmie and North Bend maps are available at each city hall, the Mt. Si Senior Center, and the Si View Community Center and Pool.

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

Providing effective and innovative health and disease prevention services for over 1.8 million residents and visitors of King County, Public Health – Seattle & King County works for safer and healthier communities for everyone, every day.

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