The day begins with a lot of activity for the group Washington Heights Women’s Walking Crew who works out on the streets of this neighborhood.
Denise del Río, a member of the group, comments: “We – up to a point – are getting a little crazy, for being locked in the house looking at the same four walls. So, to go out here to such a large, beautiful space with fresh air is a blessing. “
Since last September, the participants of this group have been traveling the streets of Upper Manhattan until they reach the Inwood neighborhood, and they do so five days a week.
The idea came to Annette Fernández, after walking to her mother’s house, seeking to clear her mind of the COVID-19 pandemic and other problems affecting her neighborhood.
“I thought, well, I should not do this alone, I would like to have company in the park,” explains Fernández herself.
Annette formed a group on Facebook, and since then it has more than 300 members and about 80 have joined the walks.
“Not being alone, clearing your mind, being outside, it is a community where we have many parks and many beautiful places to visit,” explains its founder.
Participants travel from 2 to 6 miles, depending on the day.
And although most of them did not know each other, now they have formed a sincere friendship; in which they share special occasions, birthdays and even we support each other in difficult times.
Danette Lipten comments on this: “My father died in December from COVID. And this group gave me their support, they took care of me, they made me feel good and that was very special.”
It is an open group that welcomes anyone who wants to live this experience.
For her part, Denise del Río, points out: “It is nice to know that there are other women of different cultures, different ages, different economic classes.”
On each trip, this group of women tries to walk a different route and thus they get to know new and beautiful things that the neighborhoods of Inwood and Washington Heights have to offer.
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