IN Mars Area Spring 2014 | Page 12

weather warms up, most of us can’t When thegetare countlessenjoy theactivities, wait to outside and sunshine. Though there outdoor walking can be enjoyed by all ages—dogs included! Adams Township Community Park, at 698 Valencia Road in Mars, offers a picturesque, 1.3-mile paved surface with the perfect balance of flat areas and a few challenging hills. The paved trail is excellent for walking, eliminating the hazards of uneven sidewalks or rocky paths. The paved surface also works well for taking the baby out for a stroll while getting some exercise. The Community Park Trail consists of mostly open space that winds through the scenic park, with a few semi-wooded areas where local birds and animals can often be observed. You can take your dog along, so that he can get a bit of exercise as well, as long as he’s on a leash and any waste is removed. The trail is wide enough to accommodate foot traffic in both directions and makes a giant loop back to where it began, which allows for easy access to the parking area. Seven Fields has two different connecting trails. The Northridge Park Trail entrance is located off of Northridge Drive and is 800 ft. long. It offers a picturesque stroll past a creek and soccer fields, eventually linking with the Nature Reserve Trail by way of a 60 ft. bridge. The Nature Reserve Trail is 850 ft. in length and meanders through a peaceful nature area on the opposite side of the creek. While these trails can accommodate seasoned walkers, the shorter length trails are great for those folks just beginning to get into shape to build up endurance and stamina. Both trails are paved and are eight ft. in width, making them a great place for baby strollers, but canines are not allowed. Walking on Mars 10 724.942.0940 to advertise | Mars Area Walking is one of the easiest changes you can make to positively improve your overall health. Research has shown that the benefits of walking for at least 30 minutes a day can help to reduce the risk of coronary artery disease, improve blood pressure and blood sugar levels, maintain body weight and lower the risk of obesity. It also can reduce the risk of osteoporosis, the risk of breast and colon cancers and non-insulin dependent (type 2) diabetes