Tim Engstrom, Albert Lea Tribune
It’s official. Albert Lea’s five-mile walking, jogging and biking route around Fountain Lake now has the name Blue Zones Walkway.
The Albert Lea City Council on Thursday authorized a licensing agreement with the Minneapolis-based Blue Zones organization and approved a resolution that establishes the Blue Zones Walkway.
“The community is already utilizing the walkway around the lake, and we continue to promote healthy living,” said City Manager Chad Adams.
The city worked on giving the route a name for much of the autumn. The route is made up of sidewalks and trails that loop around Fountain Lake, going through neighborhoods, parks, the downtown and past the local hospital. People commonly run, walk or bike around the lake year-round and enjoy the views. In April, there is a run called the Fountain Lake 5 that uses the route.
The resolution states: “Albert Lea was designated as America’s First Blue Zones Certified City for successfully creating a lasting environment that promotes longevity.” And it states: “A walkway around Fountain Lake known as the Blue Zones Walkway will be a benefit to the social, health and well-being of the community.”
Kidding, right? Ernie’s gone. Mason City blue zone projects will be “developed” in future and you still won’t be able to walk or ride a bike safely if you have somewhere to go.
I thought Mason City was doing a blue zone too, is that just for Iowa?