The City of Evansville and Deaconess Health System announce a season-long community fitness partnership. Mayor Lloyd Winnecke’s Energize Evansville “Fitness in the Park” initiative will be held in conjunction with the Deaconess Healthier U Walks on the third Saturday of each month through October. The first event will be this Saturday, April 19, at Garvin Park. The program is free and open to the public.

At each partnership event, the Healthier U Walk will start at 9 a.m., with Mayor Winnecke walking with the group. After the walk, at approximately 10 a.m., Energize Evansville’s “Fitness in the Park” will offer different outdoor fitness activities. This Saturday, Mark Goltiao of Evansville Power Yoga will teach yoga.

“This combined fitness effort is a logical partnership, as our events have a shared goal to encourage people to utilize the wonderful outdoor spaces and parks in our community to become physically active and healthier,” said Mayor Winnecke.

Deaconess President and CEO Linda White said this is the fourth year for the Healthier U Walks. “The addition of Fitness in the Park each month will create a new experience for our loyal walkers and hopefully entice new walkers to our weekly walks,” said White.

The Deaconess Healthier U Walks take place each Saturday, from early April through October. There is no fee, and each participant will receive a free Healthier U T-shirt and pedometer at the first walk they attend. The walks are hosted by Deaconess volunteers from various departments and services, who will offer different health information each week.

More From WGBF-FM