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Date: 2/16/2022
HOLYOKE – Western Mass. Walkers, a newly formed program of the West Springfield Council on Aging, invites seniors from all communities to partake in some indoor exercise at the Holyoke Mall, during the winter months.
Sarah Long, director of the COA, said, “We want to have options for individuals to walk in a safe, warm environment during these cold months.” As a result, she said, “We reached out to the Holyoke Mall, who could not have been more accommodating and encouraging of this program… [It] offers the ability to socialize and come together as a region, not just in West Springfield.”
Every Tuesday and Thursday, between 8 and 10 a.m., the West Springfield COA staff can be found in the food court of the mall near the Holyoke-West Springfield line, with coffee available for participants either before or after they walk.
Participants are also able to leave their coats, hats and mittens with the staff in the food court, before beginning their walk.
With the exception of Target, stores inside the mall do not open until 11 a.m., so walkers have a place to themselves.
As this is not a guided group walk, individuals are able to choose their own walking route and pace, along with who they’d like to walk with.
Since the program began on Jan. 18, Kristen Buoniconti, outreach coordinator for the COA, said they have seen new faces every time, averaging about 12 to 15 people per session.
Buoniconti believes that as they continue to spread the word through advertisements on social media and local newspapers, participation will continue to increase.
After returning from her first walk, Fran Rahilly, West Springfield resident, said, “It was good. I would like to come back.”
Although Rahilly has visited the West Springfield Senior Center for other exercise offerings such as yoga, she said this one was different.
“I liked it,” she said. “There’s nobody in the way.”
Rahilly said she doesn’t often frequent the mall, but with the lack of crowds, she was able to enjoy her stroll, especially the opportunity to walk in a heated environment during the winter months.
No advance registration is required to participate in the program, which is continuing twice a week until further notice. Interested participants are asked to call the Council on Aging with any questions at 263-3264.
“The West Springfield COA is able to share information and resources for West Springfield residents as well as provide information on where individuals from other communities can obtain resources,” Long said.
At press time, face coverings are required while walking, as there is an indoor mask mandate within the city of Holyoke.