Leaders of the Airport Road Industrial Park Association announced the opening of a new three and a quarter mile walking and bicycle route on October 21, 2009, specifically targeted at the over 6,000 employees that work at companies in the Park. The route is marked along both sides of the roads that connect the companies in the Park and is marked with maps that lay out five routes of different lengths. Marty Schwalm, president of the Fall River Industrial Association and CEO of Hatch Science, has been involved in creating the route in concert with Mike Ramos, coordinator of the Fall River Healthy Lives program in the City's health department. "This is a project we've wanted to do for a long time, and we're happy that the City has agreed to help us make it happen," said Schwalm. Ramos is pleased to see another designated walking route to add to the ten that have already been created in the City. "We know that walking is one of the best ways for people to maintain their physical health, and having safe places to walk encourages everyone to make exercise a part of their daily routine," added Ramos. For more information, contact Mike Ramos at 508-324-2427.

(Top row, left and right) Healthy Lives coordinator Mike Ramos displays a map of the ten designated walking routes in the City as he talks about the value of walking in maintaining health. (Top row, center) Mayor Correia talks about the benefits of walking to the employees, the companies and the community. (Middle row, left) Healthy City Fall River coordinator David Weed talks about what employers can do to promote a healthy workforce as Laura Ferreira of the Fall River Traffic Department listens from behind. (Middle row, right) Marty Schwalm, president of the Fall River Industrial Association and CEO of Hatch Science, talks about the the efforts that went into the project. (Bottom row) Mr. Ramos leads a group on a half mile walk toward the Lightolier location as a cyclist passes on the other side of the street in the newly-designated bicycle lane.