By Jerry Masek
West Park residents are surrounded by numerous ways to keep active and stay healthy. This column will keep you informed each month.
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Think about it. Every trip you take, whether by car, bus, bike or train, starts with walking. It is the most basic exercise you can do, and summer is the best time to get up and get out.
KCDC coordinates ‘Walk On Wednesdays’
Have fun, enjoy the weather, stretch your legs, make some new friends, and learn about West Park. Walk On Wednesday, coordinated by the Kamm’s Cormers Development Corp. (KCDC), starts at 6:30 p.m. on the second and fourth Wednesday of each month, through Oct. 23.
The free 90-minute walks cover 1-2 miles at a leisurely pace. Learn more about area events, places and merchants. Here some coming walks. There is no need to register.
July 10, Learn more about the July 13 Garden Walk from the KCDC staff and volunteers. Park free and meet at the West Park Rapid Station, 14510 Lorain Ave. Visit some terrific gardens, walk through the neighborhood, and return to the Rapid Station.
July 24, Meet at Kamm’s Plaza, where Lisa Kay, owner of Kamm’s Corners Ice Cream Co., will talk about Christmas in July. Walk to the beautiful River’s Edge, 3430 Rocky River Dr. for a tour, and return to Carol and John’s Comic Book Store in Kamm’s Plaza.
August walks are set for Aug. 14 and 28. For info, visit KammsCorners.com
Walk to Neptune and back
For an educational adventure the whole family can enjoy, try the 3/4 miles Solar System Walk in the Metroparks.
From West Park, just head west on Puritas Avenue, turn left on Valley Parkway, and turn left into the first driveway, for the South Mastick Picnic Area. Along the all-purpose trail, you will see a series of waist-high colorful wooden educational displays, two to introduce the experience, one for the Sun, and then one for each of the 8 planets.
The walk really helps you appreciate the size of our solar system. Every foot you walk equals around one million miles in space. And, your children will get to exercise their minds a bit during the summer break. When you get home, you can also plan a trip to the Great Lakes Science Center, which includes the Visitor Center from the NASA Glenn Research Center.
The Solar System Walk was developed several years ago by NASA, in cooperation with the Metroparks and Cleveland Public Schools.
Learn more about holistic health
- Monday, July 8, 7-9 p.m., Hypnosis drop-in session, West Park Massotherapy, 4168 Rocky River Dr. at Valleyview Ave. Bring your questions. Experience hypnosis, if you want. RSVPs encouraged, walk-ins welcome, 216-210-5504.
- Saturday, July 20, 11 a.m.-6 p.m., Holistic fair with an ecological theme, West Shore United Universalist Church, 20401 Hilliard Blvd., Rocky River — a 7-minute drive from Kamm’s Plaza. This is a unique opportunity to learn about holistic modalities, including hypnosis, yoga and reiki, Free lectures, some vendors sell products and services. $5 admission.
Keep cool in the pool (optional)
Gunning Recreation Center, 16700 Puritas Ave., offers open swim times 6 days a week, usually in the afternoon. The center also has a weight room, indoor track, kickball and youth baseball. Call 216-420-7900.
West Park-Fairview Family YMCA offers open swims, family swims, adult swims, lap swims and more. Call 216-941-5410
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Jerry Masek, a certified hypnotist, is active in holistic events. Submit column items to jemasek@aol.com.