Yakima Times

Yakima Parks and Recreation recently launched the “Step Up & Park It” program that began on July 6 and will continue through Aug. 31, according to a county press release. 

The eight-week program is free of charge and is designed to help residents stay productive while visiting the local parks. 

Partakers of all fitness levels are encouraged to join the program, according to the press release. Officials said that all one has to do is track and report their steps. The object of the program is to set progressive daily steps and gradually improve. The goal is to reach 10,000 steps per day by the end of the program in August.

Ken Wilkinson, who is the Parks and Recreation manager, said the program encourages social distancing protocol.

“We encourage people to explore their local parks or anywhere that is safe to walk – with social distancing precautions – while creating a consistent walking habit in their everyday lives,” Wilkinson said in the press release. 

The program is available through the Challenge Runner app. If you do not have a Challenge Runner account, sign up here. If you are already a member, log in to your account and enter code efb6xz-2cth in the challenge area.