KING COUNTY, WASHINGTON - The City of Shoreline, the City of Kenmore and Public Health - Seattle & King County have joined in releasing the first walking maps of Shoreline and Kenmore, highlighting city parks, open spaces and walking routes that are easy and safe to walk.

"These maps are an excellent catalyst for our communities to get outside and walk," said Carolyn Edmonds, chair of the King County Board of Health and a King County Councilmember. "Walking instead of driving is an excellent alternative. By walking we promote our health, meet more neighbors, build community and decrease traffic congestion and pollution."

"Physical activity is one of the best ways to prevent disease, and walking is one of the easiest ways to get started. We encourage people to use these maps and make walking and other kinds of physical activity regular parts of their routines," said Dr. Alonzo Plough, Director of Public Health - Seattle & King County.

"Shoreline is proud of its parks and open spaces, and a recent resident survey confirmed how important trails and walking paths are to our community," said Shoreline Mayor Scott Jepsen. "This map will help people explore Shoreline and see more of their community."

"The City of Kenmore is striving to make walking a safe, viable and enjoyable way to get around our community," said Deborah Chase, Mayor of the City of Kenmore. "This map is a first step toward meeting that need. It makes our community aware of the opportunities that exist and helps us to identify parts of the City that are lacking in these vital facilities, so that future projects will help us build a comprehensive walking network throughout our community."

• The Shoreline and Kenmore walking maps are available at Public Health's website: www.metrokc.gov/health/exercise/groups.htm#walking
  
• For a copy of the Shoreline walking map, visit Shoreline City Hall (17544 Midvale Ave. N.), the Spartan Gym (18560 First Ave. NE) or Shoreline Pool (19030 First Ave. NE), call Shoreline Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services Department at 206-546-5041, or visit: www.cityofshoreline.com
  
• For a copy of the Kenmore walking map, contact the Kenmore City Hall at 425-398-8900 or visit: www.cityofkenmore.com

Public Health collaborated with the City of Shoreline and the City of Kenmore in creating these maps. Walking maps are part of Public Health's strategy to encourage residents to meet the Surgeon General's recommendation of doing 30 minutes or more of moderate-intensity physical activity throughout the day, five or more days of the week.

For more information on physical activity, chronic disease prevention and local exercise resources, visit Public Health's Physical Activity website: www.metrokc.gov/health/exercise