If you asked, Niagara Falls City Council Chair Brian Archie (D) would probably tell you there’s nothing better on a fall Saturday morning than a walk around the city.
So this Saturday morning, Archie and what are expected to be hundreds of other Falls residents will take a stroll through the city to encourage better health outcomes and build a better connection with the place that locals call home.
“Walk the Falls is about coming together,” said Archie, who is also the executive director of Create a Healthier Niagara Falls Collaborative. “We want people to get active, enjoy our beautiful surroundings, connect with one another, and have fun. At the heart of this event is a simple message: our health is connected to the health of our community and the environment we share.”
Archie said the walk, now in its 10th year, was inspired by urban planner Mindy Fullilove.
“She walked us around the Falls and showed us how we have become disconnected from our community as a result of planning,” Archie said. “Barriers like the Moses Parkway separate us from our waterfront. But our natural environment is our greatest asset. Given our size, we should have a walkable community.”
By contrast, the council chair noted that a place like New York City, with more than 8.5 million residents, feels far more connected than the Falls.
“Because it’s designed that way,” Archie said. “It’s planned that way. You can walk; it’s bike friendly. Take Lewiston, it’s not a city, but it’s walkable and bike friendly and interconnected.”
Archie said the walk is a chance for Falls residents, and others, to see opportunities to do the same here.
He said residents looking to participate are encouraged to bring their family and friends. Registration information is available on the CHNFC website at Healthynf.org.
The walk kicks off at the Niagara Falls Underground Railroad Heritage Center at 10 a.m. Saturday and concludes at 12:30 p.m. Participants can walk, run or bike and there is no cost to join.
Archie said the walk is made possible with support from Northwest Bank, the Niagara Falls Housing Authority, Niagara Falls National Heritage Area, Lynks Incorporated, and Niagara County Legislators Jeffrey Elder, Christopher Robins and Sam Farrugia.