MHIP to promote winter activity with SHAPE walk

By ANNA SMITH Local Journalism Initiative on January 22, 2025.

The Medicine Hat Interpretive Program is participating in SHAPE day, and invites residents to do the same with their Winter Walk program.

SHAPE, standing for ‘Safe Healthy Active People Everywhere,’ is an Alberta wide, non-profit organization that promotes active travel throughout Alberta.

“In 2024, more than 100,00 Albertans participated in walks all across the province, so let’s increase that number for 2025,” said Mhairi Donnelly, assistant chief interpreter with MHIP.

This year, MHIP is doing their part by hosting an one-hour walk in Strathcona Island Park.

The meeting place will be the parking lot at the boat launch in Strathcona Island Park, where attendees will walk a loop to the Heritage Pavilion and back.

The walk begins at 10:30 a.m. and it is hoped to be back at the parking lot no later than 11:30 a.m, said MHIP.

They warn that this walk as “an amble, not a sprint,” and advise those interested to bring a hot drink and some friends.Â

“The interpreter will be happy to answer any questions that you may have about the flora and fauna of the park, or maybe you would like to come and meet new people,” said Donnelly. “Bring your camera or binoculars if you want.Â You never know what you may see on the walk.”

This walk will be hosted on Feb 5, and comes with no cost or registration requirements.