Lacey Rosenberg laced up her pink sneakers and walked the lagoon Tuesday along with fellow Step Squad members. The four-month long event drew 70 walkers to the park that day. [Photos by Susan DeVilder]

Lacey Rosenberg’s idea for a walking club materialized Tuesday in a big way.

“I’ve had it in the back of my mind for a long time,” she said.

Walking is not only the easiest form of exercise but it’s also great for mental health, she said.

Rosenberg recently joined the Henry County Mental Health Alliance board, and she presented her idea for a local walking club to fellow board member Beth Looney and the Kewanee Park District’s Heather Haga. Both supported the idea and this week the Kewanee Step Squad became a reality.

On the first Tuesday of the program, 70 walkers turned out at Windmont Park for the four-month long event where participants register and walk around the lagoon, earning points they can put towards prizes along the way.

Rosenberg said she hopes more residents will join the squad.

“We hope to consistently increase the numbers. Hopefully walkers are meeting people who want to walk with them and this walk will morph into something more,” said Rosenberg pointing to the mental health benefits of both exercise and the social benefits of gathering together and making new friends.

The group will meet twice on Tuesdays at Windmont Park to walk around the lagoon. The first group is a lunchtime group that meets from noon to 1 p.m. and the second group meets from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m.

Walkers turned out at Windmont Park on Tuesday to register for the Kewanee Step Squad. [Photo by Susan DeVilder]

Walkers will earn points for not only walking for 15-minute increments, but also for bringing friends to join the group.

Two points are awarded for walking 15 minutes, four points for 30 minutes, six points for 45 minutes and eight points for an hour. Showing up for the first walk will get participants two points and bringing a friend will get them two more.

Walkers can then cash in on those points for prizes, although the group is still seeking ideas and donations for prizes, such as gift cards from local businesses willing to contribute. Rosenberg said the Kewanee Park District has already agreed to supply water bottles for one of the prize levels. Levels are set at 15 points, 25 points, 50 points, 75 points and 100.

Rosenberg said the idea is to reward people for their hard work and effort.

“My hope is that we will encourage them to show up and bring a friend,” she said, with the goal of growing the group.

Rosenberg said the response for the Kewanee Step Squad has been positive from both the mental health alliance board and the park district, which is loaning the group a summer intern who will help track the points and rewards for the group.

Rosenberg said joining the Kewanee Step Squad is simple.

“Just show up and walk,” she said.

Walkers should meet by the pavilion near the baseball field to register. The walks are set for Tuesdays and began on May 27 and will go to Oct. 7.