Annual Tradition Attracts Walkers To Aldergrove

A new addition that is making a splash in Aldergrove will be in the spotlight when the 57th Annual Langley Walk takes walkers, runners, strollers, and cyclists past the Aldergrove Credit Union Community Centre.

The ACUCC is one of the many highlights that will be featured on Sunday, May 5, when the celebration of fitness, fresh air, and fun brings participants through Aldergrove’s scenic streets and parks. The free event for all ages starts and ends at Aldergrove Athletic Park, 26770 - 29 Avenue.

Entertainment, a pre-walk warm up, and activities such as face painting, games, and bouncy castles will be offered, and participants can choose to walk, run, or bike a five- or ten-km route. The route can accommodate strollers, wheelchairs, and rollerbladers, and dogs on leashes are welcome.

Entertainment and registration begins at 12:00pm, and participants who would like to do the ten km route will head off at 1:15pm. Those doing the five km route will be officially sent off at 1:30pm. The Walk will be held rain or shine. Visit tol.ca/events.

“The Langley Walk was first held in 1963, and walkers embarked on a 22-mile trek that stretched from Aldergrove Park to River Road, from Fort Langley to City Park,” said Township of Langley Mayor Jack Froese. “While the scope of the Walk has been scaled back a bit over the decades, local residents are still very enthusiastic about this event and come out year after year to take part. It is wonderful to see people of all ages taking the opportunity to get outside with their family and friends, be active, and tour our unique neighbourhoods.”

Each year, the Walk is held in a different community in the Township of Langley or in the City of Langley. This year, participants will stroll through Aldergrove, passing the new Aldergrove Credit Union Community Centre, which opened last summer. The ACUCC features outdoor pools, a seasonal water park, 500+ seat ice arena, fitness rooms, and a running track.

All those who finish the Walk will receive a crest, and everyone who takes part is eligible to win draw prizes. Trophies and prizes will be awarded to the oldest walker, as well as to the most walkers from an organization, family, and elementary, middle, or high school.

After the Walk, a free snack, more activities, and entertainment will be offered. Participants are encouraged to bring their own refillable water bottles.

The Langley Walk was established by Pete Swensson, the Township of Langley’s first Recreation Director. A strong believer in the benefits of physical activity, his motto was, “Walk away your ills, instead of taking pills."

Anyone interested in volunteering at the Langley Walk can email prinfo@tol.ca or call 604-533-6086.

For more information, contact the Parks and Recreation Division at 604-533-6086 or prinfo@tol.ca.