Bethel Park Public Library's Wise Walk program returns in September

A biannual outdoor exercise program designed to improve mental and physical health in older adults is about to start its fall session.

Bethel Park Public Library’s Wise Walk returns Thursdays Sept. 9 through Nov. 10 in South Park.

Participants meet at 9:30 a.m. in the parking lot by the gazebo and the pond along Maple Spring Drive.

The library has offered the program, geared toward people ages 50 and older, for more than 10 years. It takes place in the fall and in the spring.

Karla McGee, library assistant and Wise Walk leader, said walks are normally in a slightly wooded and flat area. They last about an hour. About a dozen people participate on a given day depending on the weather.

“I think a lot of times they don’t want to be out there walking by themselves,” McGee said. “It gives them someone to walk with. A lot of them have made nice new friends and continue to walk when our 10 weeks are over. They may meet on a different day and go out for coffee afterward.

“When you know someone’s waiting for you, you get up off the couch and come meet them and walk.”

Walks are free. Registration and residency are not required. Local organizations occasionally bring snacks.

Wise walks did take place last year during the pandemic. McGee said about six or eight people showed up regularly.

“We socially distanced and kept our masks on,” she said. “It was very nice for them to get near other people in a safe way.”

Masks are optional for now.

“I think people want to be together, and I think the company is important to them,” McGee said. “This past year has been a little bit hard for a lot of people. I think we might have more people this time coming up. It’s nice to be able to talk about all these things with someone else.

“It’s a positive pleasant way to spend an hour and enjoy yourself mentally and physically.”

More information about library programs is available at bethelparklibrary.org or call 412-835-2207.