Two thousand yellow footprints mark a walking route in East Somerville, funded by a grant from Active Living by Design with the support of Mayor Curtatone, the Cambridge Health Alliance and Somerville Health Department with assistance from Groundwork Somerville, AmeriCorps*NCCC (National Civilian Community Corps) and East Somerville Neighbors for Change, led by the Somerville Community Corporation.

Chloe, a boxer/akita mix walked the route with her owner and other residents and community organizers, Tuesday evening, June 13. The 1.2-mile loop links the Youth & Senior Center, the East Somerville Health Clinic, East Somerville Community School, Glen Park and Garden, Grace Baptist Church, St. Benedict’s Church and historical buildings.

In addition to community connections, the walking route promotes physical activity: according to Active Living by Design,

the average American can maintain a healthy lifestyle by taking at least 10,000 steps per day. However, many fall short of this goal and need to increase their activity by at least 2,000 steps per day. The new East Somerville Walking Route has 2,000 steps, so that it can serve as a guide for residents who wish to increase their level of physical activity.

Walk participants spoke of meeting weekly to walk in East Somerville. For more information, contact Stephen Winslow, Bicycle and Pedestrian Coordinator for the City of Somerville, at 617-625-6600 x2519.