Today, people throughout the U.S. will lace up their sneakers and walk together to help fight heart disease, the nation’s No. 1 killer. Seattle Parks and Recreation is participating in the American Heart Association’s National Walking Day by hosting 18 park sites throughout the city.

The Chinese philosopher Lao Tzu said “A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.” The quote is especially apt for anyone wanting to start a regular exercise program. This National Walking Day marks offers the opportunity to make a commitment to healthy living and fighting heart disease and stroke. Participation is free, and Parks staff will lead the walks.

Why? Because physical inactivity is a huge national problem. Seventy percent of Americans don’t get enough exercise, which means we’re at greater risk for heart disease, stroke and other blood vessel diseases. Start now with Seattle Parks and Recreation and the American Heart Association to walk, to be more active, to be healthy.

The following walks are scheduled throughout the city:

- Ballard Community Center, 6020 28th Ave. NW – 10 a.m., 30 minute walk around the neighborhood.

- Carkeek Park: Macabee entrance, NW 100th Pl. and 6th Ave. NW, meet near the kiosk – 4:15 p.m. Walk downhill to the center of the park and see Carkeek Park’s Pipers’ Canyon, led by a Carkeek Park Naturalist.

- Loyal Heights Community Center, 2101 NW 77th St. – Noon, 30 minute walk around the neighborhood.

- Parks Administration Building, 100 Dexter Ave. N, Seattle – Noon. 2 noon, 30 minutes to Lake Union Park and back.

- Alki Community Center at Alki Bathhouse, 2701 Alki Ave. SW – 5:30 p.m., walk along the beach trail.

- Bitter Lake Community Center, 13035 Linden Ave. N – Noon, 30 minute walk around the neighborhood.

- Green Lake Community Center, 7201 E Green Lake Dr. N – Noon, 45 minute walk around Green Lake.

- Helene Madison Pool, 13401 Meridian Ave. N – 2:30 p.m. “Walking in Water.”

- Magnolia Community Center, 2550 34th Ave. W – 9:30 a.m., 30 minute walk around the neighborhood.

Magnuson Community Center and Lifelong Recreation, 6344 NE 74th St. – leaving from the Magnuson Brig – Noon, walk through the wetlands.

- Meadowbrook Pool and Community Center, 10517 35th Ave. NE – Noon, “Walking in Water” event – at Meadowbrook Pool (people who don’t want to get wet can walk the pool deck while cheering on those in the water).

- Medgar Evers Pool, 500 23rd Ave. – 1:30 – 2 p.m. “Water Walking” in the shallow end.

- Miller Community Center, 330 19th Ave. E - 2:30 p.m. Teens walk in partnership with NOVA and One World Schools.

- Rainier Community Center, 4600 38th Ave. S – meet at 11:45 a.m. and start walking at noon, from the community center to Mt. Baker Rowing and Sailing Center and back.

- Sound Steps: Rainier Indoor Walkers, Rainier Community Center, 4600 38th Ave. S. Regular group walk at 10 a.m.

- Southwest Teen Life Center, 2600 SW Thistle St. – 4 p.m. Teen “Walk a Mile, Talk a Mile.”

- West Seattle Lifelong Recreation at Alki Beach, near 2726 Alki Ave. SW – 10 a.m. Meet at the Statue of Liberty.

- South Park Community Center, 8319 8th Ave. S - 4 p.m. at the playfield.

For information about Seattle Parks’ Healthy Parks, Healthy You Initiative, please see http://www.seattle.gov/parks/healthyparks/default.htm and mark your calendar for the 2010 Big Day of Play, Saturday, August 25 at Magnuson Park. Information: http://www.seattle.gov/parks/healthyparks/big_day.htm.