The seniors are stepping on up.
They are getting in their daily steps with the Senior Walking Club. It’s a new weekly activity at the Wesley Chapel Recreation Complex, 7727 Boyette Road, that meets in the mornings, stretches and walks more than a mile or 30 minutes, as a low-impact workout and a social meetup.
“We just thought it would be a good way to get in exercise in under an hour,” said Recreation Specialist Shannon Saracena, who leads the group each Tuesday morning at 9:30 a.m. “We get a lot of walkers here at the park and we figured, why not get them together?”
The club will meet and stretch for a bit and then head out onto the more than 2 miles of paved pathways and trails at the district park.
The club has walkers of all abilities and they come from various parts of Pasco County. They have this in common, though: They’re looking for a brisk walk and a nice conversation.
“It’s a great social aspect,” Saracena said. “I love that people come and meet new people and get to know one another better.”
The club has no real official members or memberships. All are welcome and so are leashed pets.
However, the best part?
It’s a free, great way to take a stroll with new friends.
“They can walk as much as they want with us, or go further without us, but we’re not restricting anyone or saying this is what we do each and every week,” Saracena added. “All we want to do is to provide a nice weekly get-together for residents and people who love this park to join in and have a great walk to get their steps in.”
Senior Walking Club
When: Tuesdays, 9:30 a.m.
Where: Wesley Chapel Recreation Complex, 7727 Boyette Road
Cost: Free
Details: A weekly meetup of seniors looking for low-impact exercise and some friendly conversations. Participants can walk as much or as little as they like throughout the complex’s paved trails. There will be 15 minutes of stretching, 30 minutes or more of walking and a 15-minute cooldown. Pets on a leash are welcome.
Info: Call 813-345-3145, or email .
Published February 01, 2023
