STAY ACTIVE AND HEART HEALTHY WITH WALNUT CREEK ARTS + REC THIS FEBRUARY

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 14, 2025

WALNUT CREEK, California – Walnut Creek Arts + Rec celebrates American Heart Month by promoting cardiovascular health through sports, classes and outdoor activities. With heart disease as the leading cause of death in the U.S., regular exercise and stress reduction are key preventive measures. Their programs offer the community accessible ways to support heart health and stay active.

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1. Get Moving with Drop-In Sports

Tice Valley Gym invites community members to stay active with drop-in badminton and pickleball sessions, available now through May 22 at 2055 Tice Valley Boulevard. Racket sports offer a great way to improve endurance and heart function while remaining accessible to players of all skill levels. These sessions offer a fun and accessible way to enjoy light cardiovascular exercise in a friendly setting. Badminton is offered on Mondays and Wednesdays, and pickleball takes place on Tuesdays and Thursdays. The cost is $7 per session or $60 for a 10-session pass, and participants must bring their own paddles, balls and non-marking court shoes.

2. Tennis & Pickleball Programs at Heather Farm Tennis Center

The Walnut Creek Tennis Center, located in Heather Farm Park (1751 Heather Dr. Walnut Creek, CA 94598), offers full-service tennis programs for all ages and skill levels. Individual and group lessons are available for children, teens and adults, and the staff is happy to provide adaptations for any special needs. Lifetime Activities youth tennis camps provide a fun and engaging way for young players to develop their skills, catering to various age groups and experience levels. With spring camp registration now open, there’s no better time to embrace an active lifestyle. Tennis is an enjoyable, low-impact activity that enhances heart health, boosts stamina and supports cardiovascular strength.

3. Explore Walnut Creek’s Walking Trails

Walking regularly helps reduce risk of heart disease, lower blood pressure and improve circulation. Another great way to participate in heart-healthy activities is to explore the walking trails all around Walnut Creek. Visit any of the following or explore more at www.walnutcreekartsrec.org/parks-facilities/parks.

• Heather Farm Park: Scenic walking trails and access to Iron Horse Trail
• Civic Park: Paved pathways, shaded areas and access to the Walnut Creek Library
• Larkey Park: Connects to out-and-back Acalanes Trail for a mellow hike
• Arbolado Park: Wide, paved trails that are popular among walkers and runners

4. Group Fitness Classes

Walnut Creek Arts + Rec offers a diverse range of group fitness classes and movement opportunities for all ages. Kids can stay active with various karate styles and an array of dance classes, including junior hip-hop and jazz. Adults can choose from virtual fitness options like Zumba and yoga, perfect for busy schedules, or join engaging in-person classes such as line dancing and Irish dance. Now is the perfect time to prioritize heart health and get moving with these fun, cardiovascular-focused activities!

5. Lap Swim and Water Aerobics

Clarke Memorial Pool at Heather Farm Park offers Adult Lap Swim for ages 13 and up. Swimming is an effective way to exercise while reducing stress on the joints, making this an ideal option for participants of any age or skill level. The drop-in rate is $8, or membership passes are available for purchase.

Lap Swim Hours:

• Monday - Friday: 5:30 a.m. – 4 p.m.
• Monday - Thursday: 7 p.m. – 8 p.m.
• Saturday - Sunday: 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Water Exercise Classes
Walnut Creek Arts + Rec also offers water exercise classes, an excellent low-impact fitness alternative that utilizes water resistance and buoyancy to improve strength, flexibility and cardiovascular health. The class drop-in rate is $12, or $96 for a 12-punch pass. Classes are held on Mondays and Fridays, 8 - 8:45 a.m. (Shallow Water) and 9 - 9:45 a.m. (Deep Water). For more information about lap swimming, memberships or water exercise classes, visit www.walnutcreekartsrec.org/aquatics.

Registration for spring programs is now open, and Walnut Creek Arts + Rec encourages all community members to sign up today. Visit www.walnutcreekartsrec.org/programs-activities for an overview of all the heart-healthy classes and activities available.

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Media Contact Information:

Allie Rohlfs
(925) 354-0952
allie@verdinmarketing.com

About Walnut Creek Arts + Rec

Walnut Creek Arts + Rec (www.walnutcreekartsrec.org) is a department of the City of Walnut Creek that is the main source for all things cultural in the community, including performing and visual arts, recreation, parks, wellness programs, social services and so much more. The department facilitates programs to locals and visitors to its East Bay community in a unique way to foster creativity, promote wellness and contribute significantly to Walnut Creek's economy and reputation. The department oversees the Lesher Center for the Arts, Center Repertory Company, Bedford Gallery, Public Art, the Center for Community Arts, recreation programs, aquatics, social services and Boundary Oak Golf Course. Walnut Creek Arts + Rec prioritizes efforts in diversity, equity and inclusion to welcome all to ensure all feel invited and welcome.