HERKIMER — Herkimer County HealthNet Executive Director Dr. Thomas Curnow presented a $3,000 check and a Mohawk Valley Mile sign to Arc Herkimer in support of Arc Park and healthy recreation.
Located in the village of Herkimer, Arc Park is open to everyone, and meets a regional need for a public park that serves children and adults with disabilities who previously had no access to traditional playgrounds, according to a news release. The park features age-appropriate playground areas: ages 6 to 24 months, 2 to 5 years and 5 to 12 years. Additionally, there is a baseball field, basketball court and fitness trail that includes five exercise stations, a concession stand, family pavilion and bandstand.
“The donation to Arc Park helps to support Herkimer HealthNet’s mission to improve the health and well-being of individuals who live, work, play and learn in Herkimer County. We are pleased to support Arc Herkimer in their commitment to creating recreational opportunities in the community and being the first fully accessible park in the area,” Curnow said in the release.
“The partnerships we have made through the Arc Park project have been amazing. Together, we are building community. Herkimer HealthNet has supported this regional asset from the beginning. Since it’s opening in June, we’ve gotten many compliments regarding how the park is not only fun, but it’s helping to improve the health of those who visit. One woman wrote us to say she walks 3 miles a day in the park,” Arc Herkimer President and CEO Kevin Crosley said in the release.
HealthNet also donated a sign designating a Mohawk Valley Mile, the number of laps around the park that equal a one-mile walk. The Mohawk Valley Mile is a fun way to get in daily exercise and jump-start the week in a healthy way, according to the releasae. Research has shown that many people vow to start a healthier lifestyle on Monday. It takes approximately 20 to 30 minutes to walk a mile and if completed daily this meets recommended guidelines of active exercise for 150 minutes each week.
“We strive to make the Mohawk Valley Mile program inclusive for everyone. All of our routes are located on sidewalks or park trail ways and we’ve taken into consideration safety by working with our partners to select routes that are accessible to parking, are well-lit and ensure road safety with access to curb cutaways and traffic signals, where appropriate,” HealthNet Program Coordinator Elyse Enea said in the release.