Virginia Zoo Partners With YMCA On Walkers Program

NORFOLK
The Virginia Zoo has partnered with the YMCA of South Hampton Roads to bring you “Zoo Tracks,” a new walking program that encourages members and visitors to exercise and become a ‘Zoo Walker”.

“The Zoo / YMCA walking program is the perfect partnership that provides a variety of fun and engaging walking maps that add to the City of Norfolk’s healthy initiative for people of all ages,” said Greg Bockheim, Executive Director of the Virginia Zoo. “The paths in the Zoo are perfect for getting an invigorating breath of fresh air, you may feel like you are on a walking safari,” Bockheim added.

YMCA staff configured six tracks throughout the Zoo that range from 900 to 2,540 steps. Visitors to the Zoo can find the tracks at the Membership Office or on the Zoo’s app, in the interactive map. According to the YMCA staff, approximately 2,100 steps equals one mile. Each mile that a person walks burns roughly 100 calories.

Zoo Tracks officially steps off on April 6, 2017, with a walk around the Virginia Zoo led by the YMCA of South Hampton Roads at 10 a.m. All YMCA of South Hampton Roads members, as well as Zoo members, will receive free admission from 10 am to Noon to participate in the kickoff event. A valid YMCA membership card is required.

Everyone is encouraged to make use of the Zoo Tracks program anytime they are at the Zoo. However, the YMCA-guided Zoo Tracks will continue every month through August, which is free with a paid Zoo admission or membership. Walk and chat with a YMCA staff member about health and wellness tips. Check virginiazoo.org/zootracks for topics and times.