By DENISE HERSCHEL
The Bradley Beach Library is well known for it’s wide selection of books and various programs and most recently for it’s dedicated group of exercise enthusiasts who meet weekly at the library as part of its walking club.
For the last several months, the Bradley Beach Library Walking Club has convened on Thursday mornings to begin their day with a healthy jaunt along the boardwalk.
Karin Finnegan, Youth Services Librarian/Assistant Director, initiated the club in April because she decided “it would be fun” as well as “a nice way for people to get together and to socialize while exercising.”
“I love to walk so I knew it would be something that others might enjoy as well. It is so nice to be close to the ocean and to get out, meet new people and appreciate the scenery,” she said.
The group has met six times so far with both men and women, seniors and moms with strollers joining the approximately two to three mile walk.
“All ages are welcome to join the group. I have been very happy with the turnout. We walk for about an hour, just about three miles or so. So far, we have been leaving the library and walking up to the boardwalk. Then we either walk to Ocean Grove or to Avon. We vary the routes based on the wind. If the wind is blowing out of the south we walk south first so the wind will be at our backs on the way back. We are currently meeting at 11am on Thursday mornings but we may have to change the time to earlier if it gets too hot during the summer months,” she continued.
Bradley Beach resident Kathie Deak said she decided to join the group because she doesn’t like to walk alone.
“When I walk with other people it makes the times go so much faster,” she said. “It’s not drudgery then to walk. It’s a good time with the club. I would encourage anyone to join us. It’s a great way to meet new friends, exercise and enjoy the beautiful towns.”
Finnegan said she plans to continue the walking club throughout the summer but times to walk may vary based upon the temperatures.
“If we have to move the time to earlier or later in the day, we will change it. If there is enough interest we may even add more times and days,” she continued.
For more information about the Bradley Beach Walking Club contact Karin Finnegan at 732-776-2995 or email her at karin@bradleybeachlibrary.org
