A New Event Brings Family Fitness and Fun to Echo Lake Park, Through FreeWalkers and Union County Parks

Mountainside, NJ, September 29, 2016 --(PR.com)-- FreeWalkers and Union County Parks will host Stroll and Roll 2016, an inaugural walking and fitness event in Echo Lake Park, Mountainside, New Jersey, on November 6, 2016, starting at 9:30a.m. Families, kids and seniors will be able to walk, bike or roll their way along a gentle course of up to four miles along the park's hiking trails, with many children's activities along the way. This event is free of charge and open to the public. More details and online registration are available at strollroll.org. Visitors may also register upon arrival.

The route is a straight line from the Gazebo at Echo Lake to the bridge in Lenape Park and the East Coast Greenway in Kenilworth, and back, for a total distance of up to four miles. Participants may choose the distance of their preference, with those walking a mile or more receiving a Super Stroller achievement certificate. Infants and toddlers in strollers are welcome, as well as bicycles, wheelchairs and walkers of all sorts.

It begins with a rolling start from 9:30 to 10:30, allowing the public to arrive and set out during this period. Families are encouraged to walk together as a team to accompany and motivate each other. This is not a competitive activity, but a chance to walk perhaps a little bit farther than one normally might.

There will be games and surprises, including creative and educational opportunities on the route. Fun activities for kids include a souvenir passport book to stamp along the way. Children will be able to count their steps using pedometers, and will receive medals and gifts. Free dental screening will be available for children, through Colgate's Bright Smiles Bright Futures initiative.

A number of vendors will display their wares and will contribute to the many giveaways to participants.

FreeWalkers is partnering with Union County Parks to host this occasion, taking place in parks maintained by the county. There will be park staff and naturalists on hand to educate and answer questions about the trail and the parks it travels through.

The East Coast Greenway is a longtime and frequent partner in FreeWalker events, and is providing additional support. The East Coast Greenway is a national multi-purpose trail extending from Maine to Florida that runs through Nomahegan and Lenape Parks. Local sponsors of the event include Bridgeway Rehabilitation Services, NJ Choice Realty, Ron Gelock & Associates Investment Advisors and Williams Nursery.

The event is the first of its kind for FreeWalkers. "We are excited to be partnering with Union County for the first of what we hope to be many family-oriented walks in the future," said event co-organizer and wellness coach Risa Olinsky. "Families of all ages, juniors to seniors, can enjoy the magnificent parks and greenways, walk as little or as much they like, and celebrate their success."

FreeWalkers is a non-profit group that organizes free long-distance walking events in the Mid-Atlantic region and promotes the benefits of walking. FreeWalker hikes are recreational, non-competitive, and are typically ten to fifty miles in length. Participants are free to choose the distance and pace that match their ability and comfort. Nearly all events provide mass transit access at both start and finish, with many walks along the Northeast Corridor in Greater New York City, Central New Jersey and Greater Philadelphia. Details of upcoming walks can be found at freewalkers.org.