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Walk Planned At Sate Park

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By Carl  Orth | The Suncoast News

Published: February 9, 2008

PORT RICHEY, Fla. - PORT RICHEY, Fla. - Tired of lying around on the couch watching TV? Still trying to shed those extra pounds from the holidays? Feeling a lack of energy?

Werner-Boyce Salt Springs State Park and the Pasco County Health Department have a prescription to get people more active.

Next Saturday, Feb. 16, two nature walks and two kayak paddle tours are planned at the park.

Florida Park Service officials wanted to do their part for the annual Step Up Florida exercise campaign, the park's manager, Toby Brewer, explained. The Health Department is coordinating the series of free activities in February and March.

So for the first time, residents are invited to take part in one of the nature walks, at 8 and 10 a.m. The leisurely strolls through the park will leave from the western end of S.R. 52 and cover about two miles, Brewer said.

"We will supply water but participants should wear closed shoes and long pants for the walk," Brewer advised.

The kayak trips also will depart at 8 a.m. and 10 a.m. from the launch area at 9120 Old Post Road, Port Richey, near Brasher Park, Brewer said.

"Folks are encouraged to bring their own boats but we will have a few boats available for rent for a small fee," Brewer said.

All kayak participants should have the required safety items for their boats, Brewer said. Life jackets and paddles will be supplied for the few boats for rent.

All events at the park are free. No advance registration is necessary.

Call the park at 727-816-1890 for more information. Folks also can check out www.saltspringsalliance.com.

The Salt Springs Alliance is a supporting group for the state park.

"Lots of info there," Brewer said of the alliance's Internet site.

"I can't wait for the opportunity to participate in the kayak event," Deanna Krautner, the Health Department's health education and communication coordinator, wrote in a memo.

She is overseeing numerous local events for Step Up Florida. Call Krautner at 727-861-5250, Ext. 162, or see the Pasco list online at the Step Up Florida Web site

On Saturday, Feb. 23, Bike Lane Bike Shop, in Golden Acres Plaza, and the Suncoast Cycling Club again are organizing a 50-mile bike ride from Palm Harbor to West Pasco. For information call 727-215-4153.

"Last year close to 100 cyclists participated, quite an impressive site when they are all riding together and pulling into the bike shop," Krautner commented.

Taoist Tai Chi will again be allowing Step Up participants to try the classes for free, Krautner noted, at the New Port Richey Recreation and Aquatic Center, 6630 Van Buren St. Call Ro DelBene at 727-376-7448.

The city recreation center has other classes people can try for free in early March. Adults can also choose from yoga, Jazzercise, karate and tennis. Children can choose from dance, gymnastics, karate and tennis.

Call Donna French at the recreation center at 727-841-4560.

Step Up Florida At a Glance

Hike/Paddle for Good Health

Werner-Boyce Salt Springs State Park, Port Richey

Saturday, Feb. 16, 8 a.m. or 10 a.m.

Two-mile guided hikes in the park from the west end of State Road 52. There will also be one-hour and two-hour paddle tours leaving out from 9120 Old Post Road. All events are free.

Other events

Various free events are planned through March by New Port Richey Recreation Center, Spivey Karate Center, Taoist Tai Chi, Longleaf Farmers Market, Family Fitness Center, Bike Lane Bike Shop, Suncoast Cycling, Anclote Elementary, Werner-Boyce Salt Springs State Park and Deer Park Elementary.

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