A new stroller-walking program rolled out by Dundee Township Park District officials is giving parents an opportunity to bond with their children and burn off some calories.
From 9 to 10 a.m. Tuesdays and Wednesdays, parents can walk the loop created in the gymnasium below the track at the Randall Oaks Recreation Center.
Some of those parents have been lobbying for the opportunity since the new building opened in 2012.
“We received some comments over the years that people were disappointed they couldn’t use strollers on the track,” said Dave Peterson, deputy director of recreation services. “And one of our commissioners heard from her constituents as well that it was something to consider. So we made a decision to implement something.”
The stroller-walking program began this week at Randall Oaks, at 500 N. Randall Road, in West Dundee.
Peterson said five parents showed up Tuesday.
That number doubled on Wednesday.
“It’s been very well received,” he said. “Some were even taking pictures to send to their friends to try and promote it more.”
Park officials said because the Randall Oaks Recreation Center has open time in the gymnasium during those times it’s a good alternative that does not interfere with runners on the track.
“We’re trying something new and it looks like we’re going in the right direction,” Peterson said.
For now, the program is not being implemented at the Rakow Recreation Center, at 665 Barrington Ave., Carpentersville, due to the gym and track configuration, Peterson said.
Erin Sauder is a freelance reporter.
