International Walk to School Day is October 10

A Walk to School Day will be held Oct. 10, featuring three routes of “Walking School Buses” in Grand Marais for students heading to Cook County Schools and Great Expectations School. Photo courtesy Moving Matters

Another Walk to School Day is just around the corner. On October 10, all students, families, and community members are invited to join in the fun by starting their day with a walk or bike ride to school on International Walk to School Day. This is the only fall event, with three routes of “Walking School Buses” in Grand Marais heading to both Cook County Schools and Great Expectations School.

If your student normally gets a ride to school, come in a little early and walk or bike with a Walking School Bus from one of the starting locations: the Cook County courthouse (7:30 a.m. departure), Birchwood Apartments (7:40 a.m. departure), or County Road 7 and 7th Ave. East (7:40 a.m. departure). Students and community members are welcome to join along the route or meet at the starting location.

“Walking or biking to school and work is a great way to start the day and get brains ready to learn. Plus, it’s fun!“ said Safe Routes to School Coordinator Maren Webb.

This is one of many initiatives spearheaded by the local Safe Routes to School Committee, working to make it safer and easier for students to walk and bike to and from school. The Walking School Bus routes take advantage of the sidewalks, several of which were built after being identified as being key for Safe Routes to School and community connections by foot.

Cook County Safe Routes to School (SRTS) strives to improve the health of kids and our community by making walking and bicycling to school safer, easier, and more enjoyable. For more information about Safe Routes to School Walk/Bike to School Day or to volunteer, contact Maren Webb at 218-387-2330 or maren@sawtoothmountainclinic.org. Additional event information is available at www.sawtoothmountainclinic.org. This work is supported by the Statewide Health Improvement Partnership/ Minnesota Department of Health through Healthy Northland.