WalkWorks

If you have been looking for an easy, fun, and free WalkWorks logo way to increase your physical activity, seize the opportunity! Walking is a great way to improve your health and have fun with your family and friends of all ages.

What is WalkWorks?

To increase opportunities for physical activity, the Pennsylvania Department of Health has partnered with the University of Pittsburgh Graduate School of Public Health Center for Public Health Practice to create a network of fun, fact-filled, community-based walking routes and walking groups. WalkWorks:

Identifies and promotes safe walking routes;
Offers social support through guided, community-based walking groups;
Helps schools develop walk-to-school programs; and
Addresses local policies to increase safe walking routes.

So, start walking today! Find a local walking route and walking group near you in one of the following areas:

Pennsylvania Counties

Five Billion Steps and Counting!

They did it! Walking was proclaimed the "official exercise of Chester County" by the Board of Commissioners in 2018. Though Chester County is the healthiest in Pennsylvania, one in four adults is obese with one in four children considered overweight or obese. When WalkWorks was initiated in Chester County, one half of the residents were participating in physical activity less than three times a week. With five WalkWorks routes plus great trails and parks that support safe walking, the Board challenged all residents to transform their health and the health of their community by walking every day. Mission accomplished! Over 4,000 people have walked over FIVE billion steps and are still on the move with a summer walking Library Tour Challenge! Go people of ChesCo!

Funding is provided by the Pennsylvania Department of Health through the State Physical Activity and Nutrition grant and Preventive Health and Health Services Block Grant from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.