Join the Howard County Local Health Improvement Coalition (HCLHIC) and local partners for a month of walk/move events called Walktober2021, a celebration of our State’s official exercise and a call to action to promote walking for improved health for residents of all ages and abilities. Find more information about the HCLHIC here.
Please note that the HCLHIC will not be hosting these events, but is promoting partner walk/move events to the community. If you plan to host one or more virtual, in-person or hybrid events and would like us to add it to the Walktober Event page, please complete this form: https://forms.gle/8LBLAUY5Tk6f7QAj6.
If you are interested in collaborating with the organizers of one or more of the events on HoCo’s Walktober page, please reach out to the organizers directly.
Upcoming Events
Week 1 (10/1-10/8)
Friday, October 1, 11:00am: (9401 and 9411 Frederick Road Ellicott City, MD 21042) Ellicott City 50+ Center Walk
Two walk options kicking off at the Ellicott City 50+ Center location. Join us for either a gentle stroll or a power walk - your speed, your choice.
Saturday, October 2: Every Step Counts Autism Walk & 5K Run
Join the Howard County Autism Society for the annual Every Step Counts Autism Walk & 5K Run on October 2, 2021 at Centennial Park. Help us reach our $100,000 fundraising goal! Registration is open for in-person and virtual participation. Learn more HERE
Saturday, October 2, 9:00am (Clover House, Rockburn Park): Free SPIRIT Club Outdoor Fitness Class
These in-person, outdoor fitness classes for individuals of all abilities and their friends and family will be led by a SPIRIT Club instructor. No special equipment is required. Wear comfortable shoes and clothes that allow you to move freely. This is not a drop-off class. We ask that caregivers remain on-site for the duration of the class to provide supervision, especially if one-on-one support is necessary. A completed waiver will be required for all participants. Sponsored by the Howard County Autism Society. Register HERE.
Tuesday, October 5, 11:00am (Virtual Webinar): Movement Matters: Walk, Roll, Ride, MOVE!
Join the Howard County Health Department, in partnership with the Howard County Office of Transportation and Maryland Department of Transportation’s Highway Safety Office, for an interactive live webinar. Learn the health benefits of being physically active, pedestrian safety tips while exercising, and how the Complete Streets program will help promote physical activity for Howard County residents. Best of all, you don’t even have to leave your home! REGISTER
Tuesday, October 5, 11:00am (Blandair Park): Howard County Recreation & Parks Encore Showcase (55+)
It’s Active Aging Week! Come celebrate with free activities geared towards keeping your mind and body active! Enjoy mini fitness sessions, quick art projects, trivia, and giveaways. You also have a chance to try your hand at bocce, croquet and pickleball. Pre-registration is not required but is recommended for event updates. Info: Ruth Coleman, 410-313-4723 or [email protected].
Kathy Whelan & Kathy Greisman will be instructing fitness classes including Yoga, Stretching, Strength, and Balance. Tom Sellner will be teaching Square Dancing and Dancing for Fun. Sharon Ricks will be sharing unique ways to journal. Howard County artist and instructor, Zina Poliszuk will be sharing her passion for creating beautiful masterpieces. More information
Wednesday, October 6, 8:30am: (6540 Washington Boulevard Elkridge, MD 21075) Elkridge 50+ Center Walk
Join us at the Elkridge 50+ Center for a walk.
Wednesday, October 6, 9:00am: (9411 Whiskey Bottom Road Laurel, MD 20723) North Laurel 50+ Center Walk
Join us for a nice walk around campus at the North Laurel Community Center.
Wednesday, October 6, 5:30pm: Savage Nature Stroll
Starting from Carroll Baldwin Hall (9035 Baltimore St., Savage, MD), this walk will proceed past historic sites in Savage and walk north along the Patuxent River. It will loop back to the Hall via neighborhood streets. Distance: approx. 2 miles.
Contact: Norma Broadwater; 410-294-3561; [email protected]
Thursday, October 7, 11:00am: Monarch Mills Senior Apartments (residents only)
Walk & Move event inside/outside
Contact: Ursula Smith; 410-381-0796; [email protected]
Friday, October 8, 3:30pm: BikeAround Block Party
The Howard County Office of Transportation is hosting a BikeAround Block Party from 3:30 PM – 6:30 PM on Friday, October 8th, to launch a weekend of riding. This is a chance to get outside, chat with friends, family and co-workers, enjoy delicious refreshments, learn more about what’s happening in Downtown Columbia, and get tips and tools for making biking, walking, and other active transportation a bigger part of your routine. Please come and go at your convenience. Register in advance and your first drink is on the Downtown Columbia Partnership. Click here to register for the Block Party.
Friday, October 8 - Sunday, October 11: BikeAround Downtown Fall 2021
Let’s all take an outside break and BikeAround Downtown the weekend of October 8-11. The Howard County Office of Transportation has created a roughly eight mile course that starts and ends in ColorBurst Park in the new Merriweather District of Downtown Columbia, moves around Lake Kittamaqundi and Wilde Lake, then circles back from the edge of Harpers Choice toward the college and joins the multi-use parkway to wend back to Color Burst. There is no group start time for BikeAround. The official timing for the event is 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM on October 8-11 and the path will be marked so you should not need to refer to the turn by turn directions. Please start as early or late as you like. And feel free to ride the course more than once. Register to let us know you’ll be riding.
Week 2 (10/9-10/15)
Saturday, October 9, 9:00am (Clover House, Rockburn Park): Free SPIRIT Club Outdoor Fitness Class
These in-person, outdoor fitness classes for individuals of all abilities and their friends and family will be led by a SPIRIT Club instructor. No special equipment is required. Wear comfortable shoes and clothes that allow you to move freely. This is not a drop-off class. We ask that caregivers remain on-site for the duration of the class to provide supervision, especially if one-on-one support is necessary. A completed waiver will be required for all participants. Sponsored by the Howard County Autism Society. Register HERE.
Wednesday, October 13, 11:00am (Virtual Webinar): Aging Actively: Move Your Way to Better Health
October is the perfect month to be outside, but it is important for older adults to be aware of how to move safely to prevent minor injuries. Join the Howard County Health Department, in partnership with the Howard County Office on Aging and Independence, for an interactive live webinar. Learn the benefits of walking and movement, medical assistive devices, and pedestrian safety tips. Best of all, you don’t even have to leave your home! REGISTER
Friday, October 15, 10:00am: (6600 Cradlerock Way Columbia, MD 21045) East Columbia 50+ Center Walk
Join us at East Columbia for a nice walk around the area.
Week 3 (10/16-10/22)
Saturday, October 16, 9:00am (Clover House, Rockburn Park): Free SPIRIT Club Outdoor Fitness Class
These in-person, outdoor fitness classes for individuals of all abilities and their friends and family will be led by a SPIRIT Club instructor. No special equipment is required. Wear comfortable shoes and clothes that allow you to move freely. This is not a drop-off class. We ask that caregivers remain on-site for the duration of the class to provide supervision, especially if one-on-one support is necessary. A completed waiver will be required for all participants. Sponsored by the Howard County Autism Society. Register HERE.
Sunday, October 17, 8:00am: Savage 7K Run/1 Mile Historic Walk
This year's event will be particularly special, as it will kick off Baldwin Hall's centennial celebration. The cornerstone for the Hall was laid in late 1921, and the Hall was dedicated in November 1922 with a Thanksgiving dinner for the community. We have several goals we'd like to accomplish prior to November 2022, including a new curtain and lighting for the stage. Funds from this year's Savage 7K event will help accomplish that goal! Register HERE.
Contact: savage7@carrollbaldwinhall.org
Sunday, October 17, 4:00pm: (10002 Hyla Brook Rd., Columbia, MD 21044) FIT4MOM Family 1 Mile Walk
Join us for fun family friendly walk around Wilde Lake Park as part of the Howard County Local Health Improvement Coalition's (HCLHIC) state wide Walktober 2021 event. FIT4MOM is proud to be a partner and offer a free family walk on Sunday, October 17th at 4pm. Grab your family and join us for stretching, a one mile walk and end with some tips on how to stay moving and active all month long....and a free after walk treats:) Register HERE.
Tuesday, October 19, 11:00am (Virtual Webinar): Staying Active with a Disability: Adapt the Fun for Everyone
Join the Howard County Health Department, in partnership with the Howard County Department of Community Resources and Services and Accessible Resources for Independence, for an interactive live webinar. Learn about available assistive technology and devices and the programs, places, and spaces where you can be physically active. Best of all, you don’t even have to leave your home! REGISTER
Thursday, October 7, 11:00am: Monarch Mills Senior Apartments (residents only)
Walk & Move event inside/outside
Contact: Ursula Smith; 410-381-0796; [email protected]
Friday, October 22, 12:00pm: (5470 Ruth Keeton Way Columbia, MD 21044) Bain 50+ Center Walk
Two walk options: Neighborhood stroll or Power walk. Come join the preferred level to get some fresh air at the Bain 50+ Center.
Friday, October 22, 1:00pm: (6240 Foreland Garth, Columbia, MD 21045) Shalom Square Apartments (residents only)
Walk and Move event from community in Long Reach up to the shopping center and back as a group practicing social distancing and wearing protective gear.
Week 4 (10/23-10/31)
Saturday, October 23, 9:00am (Inner Arbor Trust): AFSP Howard County Out of the Darkness Walk
This event gives people the courage to open up about their own connections to the cause, and a platform to create a culture that’s smarter about mental health. Friends, family members, neighbors and coworkers walk side-by-side, supporting each other and in memory of those we’ve lost. Register HERE.
Saturday, October 23, 9:00am (Clover House, Rockburn Park): Free SPIRIT Club Outdoor Fitness Class
These in-person, outdoor fitness classes for individuals of all abilities and their friends and family will be led by a SPIRIT Club instructor. No special equipment is required. Wear comfortable shoes and clothes that allow you to move freely. This is not a drop-off class. We ask that caregivers remain on-site for the duration of the class to provide supervision, especially if one-on-one support is necessary. A completed waiver will be required for all participants. Sponsored by the Howard County Autism Society. Register HERE.
Wednesday, October 27, 6:00pm (Virtual Webinar): Pedestrian Safety for Children: Be Safe. Be Seen.
Grab your little one and join us for an interactive live webinar with Maryland Highway Safety Office, Maryland State Highway Administration and the Baltimore Metropolitan Council. Your child will learn about road signs, crosswalks, and the importance of bicycle helmets, just in time for Halloween. Best of all, you don’t even have to leave your home! REGISTER
Friday, October 29, 11:00am: (2400 Route 97 Cooksville, MD 21723) Glenwood 50+ Center Walk
A Halloween themed walk to kick off at the Glenwood 50+ Center!
Saturday, October 30, 9:00am (Clover House, Rockburn Park): Free SPIRIT Club Outdoor Fitness Class
These in-person, outdoor fitness classes for individuals of all abilities and their friends and family will be led by a SPIRIT Club instructor. No special equipment is required. Wear comfortable shoes and clothes that allow you to move freely. This is not a drop-off class. We ask that caregivers remain on-site for the duration of the class to provide supervision, especially if one-on-one support is necessary. A completed waiver will be required for all participants. Sponsored by the Howard County Autism Society. Register HERE.
Saturday, October 30, 10:00am; 10:45am (Lake Elkhorn Pavilion): Groove the Lake
Join Columbia Association for a FREE dance fitness class at Lake Elkhorn! All ages and abilities are welcome to come out to the pavilion (near the Broken Land Parkway parking lot) for pop up classes, happening 10-10:30am and 10:45-11:15am. Start your weekend off right by moving, grooving and exploring the beautiful pathways around Lake Elkhorn.
1-Mile Howard County Park Walking & Moving Maps
Cedar Lane-West
Centennial Park
High Ridge Park
Meadowbrook Park
North Laurel Park
Robinson Nature Center
Rockburn Branch Park
Schooley Mill Park
Warfield Pond Park
Western Regional Park
Wilde Lake Park
* Created by HCHD in collaboration with HC Dept.of Recreation and Parks in August 2021
Howard County Walktober
Webinars Around Walking/Moving
Tuesday, October 19, 11:00am - Staying Active with a Disability: Adapt the Fun for Everyone
Description: Join the Howard County Health Department in partnership with the Howard County Department of Community Resources and Services and Accessible Resources for Independence for an interactive live webinar. Learn about available assistive technology and devices and the programs, places, and spaces where you can be physically active. Best of all, you don’t even have to leave your home! REGISTER
Wednesday, October 27, 6:00pm - Pedestrian Safety for Children: Be Safe. Be Seen
Description: Grab your little one and join us for an interactive live webinar with Maryland Highway Safety Office, Maryland State Highway Administration and the Baltimore Metropolitan Council. Your child will learn about road signs, crosswalks, and the importance of bicycle helmets, just in time for Halloween. Best of all, you don’t even have to leave your home! REGISTER
1-Mile Howard County Park Walking & Moving Maps (walk/move at your own pace)
