Walk With Ease!

Town of Gray Recreation Department Receives Instructor Training Grant for Physical Activity Program
Grant funding provided by the National Recreation and Park Association and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

The Gray Recreation Department will soon be offering adults ages 50+ a new way to stay fit – even if they have arthritis. Thanks to an instructor training grant from the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Gray Rec will offer the Walk With Ease (WWE) program to the Gray community. Gray Rec is one of 71 park and recreation agencies to receive the WWE instructor training grant.   
 
Gray’s park and recreation programs have long been centers of health and wellness in the community. The WWE program, developed by the Arthritis Foundation, is scientifically proven to help reduce pain and stiffness associated with arthritis. Studies by the Thurston Arthritis Research Center and the Institute on Aging at the University of North Carolina have shown that WWE contributes to reduced pain, increased balance and strength, and improved overall health. Together, NRPA and the CDC aim to reach more people living with arthritis and help improve their quality of life through this trusted and measurable program administered by local parks and recreation. 

“Arthritis affects more than 52 million adults  in the United States — including people who live right here in Gray,” said Dean Bennett, Department Director. “This grant from NRPA and the CDC allows us to help the older adults in our community, and adds a new way Gray residents can work to achieve a healthy lifestyle.”

The programs provided by Gray Rec will be offered two times per week for six weeks by certified and trained instructors. The classes are ideally suited for anyone that is interested in preventing or managing arthritis but also for those looking for a regular, low-impact exercise program in their local community.

For more information, visit grayrec.com.

The National Recreation and Park Association is a national not-for-profit organization dedicated to advancing park, recreation and conservation efforts that enhance quality of life for all people. Through its network of more than 52,000 recreation and park professionals and citizens, NRPA encourages the promotion of healthy and active lifestyles, conservation initiatives and equitable access to parks and public space. For more information, visit www.nrpa.org. For digital access to NRPA’s flagship publication, Parks & Recreation, visit www.parksandrecreation.org.