Wheel Walk aims to benefit accessible picnic table purchaseDate: 5/18/2021 WESTFIELD – Participants from across the region can now register for the Stanley Park Wheel Walk, a one-mile fun run, walk, stroll and wheel, on an accessible path in the park.
The annual Wheel Walk will take place in a hybrid fashion – both in-person and virtually – on June 12 after the event was forced to go virtual only in 2020 due to COVID-19.
Participants can sign-in at 9 a.m., with staggered starts for social distancing ending at 11 a.m. State Sen. John C. Velis and state Rep. Kelly Pease plan to speak at 10 a.m. and participate in the event.
The one-mile Wheel Walk will begin and end at the Beveridge Pavilion. The walk will consist of two loops in the area around the rose garden.
The purpose of the walk is to highlight Stanley Park’s accessibility for persons who rely on wheelchairs, walkers and strollers to get around and enjoy nature.
“The Wheel Walk celebrates accessibility in the park and proceeds from the event help to continue to expand and maintain our accessible areas of the park,” said Stanley Park Development and Event Coordinator Hillary McEwan.
For anyone not ready for in-person events or who cannot attend the June 12 walk, there is a virtual version that participants can register for and complete whenever they like.
Registration for the in-person Wheel Walk is $20, while the virtual version is $10.
All proceeds raised from the Wheel Walk will benefit the purchase of accessible picnic tables for Stanley Park and repairs to the accessible boardwalk.
McEwan said that last year’s virtual event raised money to add accessible swings and a “ten-spin” to the park’s playground.
“As the current stewards of the park, it is our mission to do what we can to realize these goals and make Stanley Park the refuge of physical and spiritual beauty for all,” said McEwan.
Register at runreg.com/wheel-walk. For more information, call 568-9312, ext. 108 or 112. Walk organizers are also seeking sponsors for the event.
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