In May 2023, Curry Public Library became a local site for “Step It Up,” a two-year research project, sponsored by Oregon Health & Science University School of Nursing, that organized walking programs through rural public libraries around the state. With Phoebe Skinner as the initial coordinator, a group of Gold Beach citizens came together as Walk On! Gold Beach, to walk together and produce a wellness-promoting community project—informational brochures, web pages, and signage for three walking routes around town.*

With the research project now wrapped up, Walk On! members can invite new walkers for their Thursday morning outings. The group assembles at 10:15am at the library to carpool to a different walking area each week; walks last about an hour. In addition to the routes in the brochure, the group recently explored the Frances Shrader Old Growth Trail, the Jim Hunt Birding Loop, and several segments of the Rogue River Walk on Jerry’s Flat Road. Walks are casually paced (slow enough to pick up litter) and not too strenuous.

If you would like to participate, join the group on a Thursday outside the library; you can also contact Margaret Ostrowski, wamski4@yahoo.com, with questions and to opt in for an email about the coming week’s walk.

*Pick up a brochure at the library for maps of each walk and a QR code for online viewing of historical photos along the routes.

The library hosts another walking group on Mondays from 12:15pm-12:45pm. Meet in the library lobby at 12:10 to join the walk. Community members are welcome to walk in either or both of the groups!