Kannapolis is extending an invitation to lace up your sneakers and hit the pavement with the latest addition to its Loop the Loop program. The new Afton Ridge Loop, a breezy 2/3 mile circuit, is situated conveniently near the city's newly opened Afton Ridge Library & Active Living Center. This expansion not only promotes a healthy lifestyle but also bridges public amenities and active recreation.
In a statement obtained by Kannapolis' official website, Irene Wong, the city's Director of Economic and Community Development, expressed her enthusiasm, "We have been looking for opportunities to expand the loop program to additional areas of the City and with the new library and active living center now in Afton Ridge this is the perfect fit." The initiative has been made possible through a grant awarded by the Cabarrus Health Alliance, which covers the costs of the signage, sidewalk markers, and crosswalks that guide participants along their journey.
Kannapolis' commitment to boosting public health through accessible physical activities runs deep, as reinforced by the remarks of Erin Shoe, Public Health Director of the Cabarrus Health Alliance. "One of our primary goals is to encourage everyone to be active regardless of income level and where they live. Loop the Loop helps our community do that! It’s been great to see so many people on the loops each week and we look forward to seeing that number grow in a new area of our City," Shoe told the city's news portal.
The expanding Loop the Loop program, which started in 2017 and grew to include all Kannapolis schools a year later, now presents multiple routes ranging from a half-mile to over three miles. Each route is uniquely identified by a color scheme, simplifying navigation for residents. The aim for participants, should they wish, is to cover a minimum of 150 miles yearly, with the sweetener of earning prizes at the end of each quarter.
Anyone interested in joining the loop can register online, download route maps, and track their mileage at the city's website. The program, which ties into the larger Discover a Healthy Life Initiative and the Cabarrus Health Alliance REACH Program, remains free and open to all. So whether you're an early riser looking to jog off the dawn's chill or someone who prefers a twilight stroll, Kannapolis' Loop the Loop is ready for you.
