If any student ever feels the urge to take a walk, the UO Outdoor Program — in conjunction with the Healthy Campus Initiative and the Student Recreation Center — hosts an outdoor nature walk on Wednesdays. @@http://outdoorprogram.uoregon.edu/@@
The strolls, officially called “Walks on Wednesday,” go to a variety of locations near the campus area including Alton Baker Park, Hendricks Park and other naturally scenic areas throughout Eugene. @@http://outdoorprogram.uoregon.edu/events/4fa19d7577a7ae000000970c@@
Junior Rafael Arroyo, an art major at the University, led the walk Wednesday and is one of several walk guides who participate in the program. @@http://www.uoregon.edu/findpeople/person/Rafael*Arroyo@@
Arroyo credited the UO Outdoor Program for getting him more involved with not only University life but in nature as well. After partaking in a white water rafting trip during the Week of Welcome freshman year he became hooked on the outdoors and the outdoor program.
“Before the OP (Outdoor Program), I never did any outdoor stuff, ever,” Arroyo said. “No camping, rock climbing, but since I started I’ve tried pretty much everything. Kayaking, backpacking — you name it, I’ve probably tried it.”
The route that Arroyo chose to lead the group of students on Wednesday evening was up Agate Street and eventually to Hendricks Park. Upon arrival at Hendricks, he led the group through the park and on a path that eventually reached the summit of the area. @@http://www.eugene-or.gov/portal/server.pt?space=CommunityPage&control=SetCommunity&CommunityID=677&PageID=1569@@
Throughout the walk, Arroyo provided insight about the natural beauty of Eugene and answered student questions on a vast array of topics including good spots to hike around town and where the best views of the city were located.
Sophomore economics major Biraj Bisht went on the hike and was excited about finding new places. @@http://www.uoregon.edu/findpeople/person/Biraj*Bisht@@
“I’ve never been to Hendricks Park before and that was pretty cool,” Bisht said. “I think it would be a great program if they had a good turnout. You get to meet new people, have a conversation and get out of the commotion of school at the same time.”
After the walk, Arroyo reflected on unique opportunity the Walks on Wednesday provide.
“When you have deadlines or the choice of going out to explore the city, deadlines comes first,” Arroyo said. “We want to bring all the people who are interested in getting involved in the outdoors in an easy way together.”
The Walks on Wednesday occur at noon and 5 p.m. each week. They last approximately an hour and all students as well as community members of all skills and fitness levels are encouraged to participate. The groups meet and depart from the Outdoor Program Barn located on 18th Avenue and Alder Street.