A new group of walkers have been strutting around Mitford Park a few times a week, thanks to a new initiative from the Town of Cochrane.
The Walkie Talkie program, the brainchild of the town’s seniors programmer Shannon McColl, aims to provide seniors with the support they need as they embark on an exercise program.
“The Walkie Talkie program came about because there was a need to bridge the gap between the existing walking groups and those who are just beginning to walk,” said McColl.
There are already two existing walking groups that meet on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at Mitford Park — a men’s group and a ladies group. These more advanced groups walk together for an hour. They begin their trek at 8:30 a.m.
The Walkie Talkie Program hits the pathway at 8:50 a.m. on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, and participants walk together for 40 minutes.
“The group is really about coming out and walking together,” said McColl. “You’re talking, so the 40 minutes just flies by. And it ends at the same time as the other walkers, so the camaraderie can build between the different groups.”
Currently, the Walkie Talkie group boasts three members but is on the lookout for more. Both men and women are invited to join the walking initiative.
“The support component mainly comes from camaraderie within the group,” said McColl, who led the group before handing over the reins to Diane Popovich. “It holds participants accountable.”
The program is free to join and is open to anyone, although McColl said the initiative is mainly aimed at those 50 years and older.
Currently, the walkers are planning to continue to head out to Mitford Park rain or shine.
For additional information on the Walkie Talkie program, contact Shannon McColl at 403-851-2959 or 403-932-6002.
