articles

Practice Social Distancing and Combat Cabin Fever Through Step it Up!

Brought to You by Ottawa County Parks

By Jessica VanGinhoven, Ottawa County Parks April 8, 2020

Right now, maybe more than ever, it seems we could use some help staying focused and positive. Regular exercise and a daily dose of nature can provide some relief in these stressful times. Ottawa County Parks and the Department of Public Health have teamed up to bring you a free program to keep you motivated to keep moving. The Step it Up! fitness challenge is an 8-week walking program where participants sign up and track their minutes of physical activity each week. Every week you enter your activity, you’ll also be entered into a drawing for incentive prizes! Participants are also able to set goals for themselves and watch their progress as the program continues. 

All ages and fitness levels are welcome and you can use one email address to register multiple people, so households can participate together. 

“In the past we have offered Step it Up! group events – weekly walks, and other activities like kayaking and orienteering,” said Jessica VanGinhoven, spokesperson for Ottawa County Parks. “Unfortunately, we won’t be able to offer group activities this spring, but we hope to be able to offer them later this year.”

Ottawa County Parks are open for those looking to get outside, but you don’t have to travel to participate in Step it Up!. Walks around the neighborhood or the yard are encouraged. 







Every Monday morning for 8 weeks, participants will receive an email with information to keep you motivated, reminders to track your activity, suggestions of county parks to visit, physical and mental health tips, healthy eating ideas, information about incentive prizes, and more!

We are encouraging you to get outside and get moving. It’s so good for physical and mental health, and can also help build a strong immune system!

Ready to get started?  
  • Step it Up! begins on April 20, but you should get registered today!
  • All fitness levels and ages are welcome
  • Multiple people can register with one email address
  • You can set goals and track your minutes of activity each week using our online system
  • It's FREE!
  • Group walks are postponed… we will offer them when it is safe to gather again


Anyone visiting a park is asked to follow guidelines for social distancing, including steering clear of busier parks and keeping 6’-10’ from other visitors. 
A full list of guidelines can be found here: https://news.miottawa.org/stay-home-stay-safe/

Don’t forget, parks are open, but all restrooms, facilities, and playground are closed. Hard surfaces are not disinfected.


🌸 🌸 🌸 🌸 🌸 🌸


Macaroni Kid strives to keep families active in our local community by offering a free calendar of kid-friendly events on our site. If your not an insider on what's going on in and around Grand Haven, Spring Lake, Muskegon and surrounding areas, we'd love for you to join us. Click HERE.