Mayor’s challenge to residents brings community one step closer to walking path

AMMON — A local community is one step closer to building a walking path after a challenge was issued by its mayor and residents stepped up.

Ammon Mayor Sean Coletti was among 68 mayors across the Gem State that completed the Blue Cross of Idaho Walking Challenge in October. Each mayor who participated was challenged to take 10,000 a day for the entire month. The goal of the challenge was for mayors to set an example for residents of local communities.

But Coletti took things a step further. He asked his residents to participate in a challenge of his own. For each resident who walked 10,000 steps three times a week, he donated $5 to the Woodland Hills Park walking path, totaling $500 of his own money.

“I really appreciate citizens participating in the community,” Coletti said. “Whether it be walking, donating funds or volunteering I think it makes such a big difference.”

Woodland Hills Park is the largest park in Ammon without a walking path, according to Coletti. He said the city is planning to build an eight-foot-wide three-quarter of a mile walking path as soon as the estimated $25,000 needed are secured.

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“I’m hoping to get more money,” Coletti said. “That would be a really awesome walking path when done.”

Coletti hopes others in the community will donate to the walking path. Those interested can contact the city to find out how to contribute.

He said once the city completes the path they plan to install a sign at the park with the names of those who contributed.

Besides Coletti, 24 other mayors in eastern Idaho participated in the walking challenge, according to the Blue Cross of Idaho Foundation for Health.

“We thank all of the mayors who participated and congratulate those who set great examples for their communities by walking at least 10,000 steps per day,” said Kendra Witt-Doyle, executive director, Blue Cross of Idaho Foundation for Health in a news release. “We appreciate the commitment of Idaho mayors who want their communities to be healthier for everyone.”

The eastern Idaho mayors who participated include:

• American Falls Mayor Marc Beitia
• Ammon Mayor Sean Coletti
• Arimo Mayor Lonnie Gunter
• Ashton Mayor Teddy Stronks
• Bancroft Mayor Rick Hatch
• Blackfoot Mayor Marc Carroll
• Chubbuck Mayor Kevin England
• Clifton Mayor John Gailey
• Dayton Mayor Melvin Beutler
• Downey Mayor Selena Guthrie
• Driggs Mayor Hyrum Johnson
• Firth Mayor Brandon Jolley
• Grace Mayor Jackie Barthlome
• Idaho Falls Mayor Rebecca Casper
• Malad Mayor Joan Hawkins
• Montpelier Mayor Jared Sharp
• Mud Lake Mayor Sherry Locascio
• Pocatello Mayor Brian Blad
• Preston Mayor Mark Beckstead
• Rexburg Mayor Jerry Merrill
• Shelley Mayor Stacy Pascoe
• St. Anthony Mayor Tom Benson
• Tetonia Mayor Gloria Hoopes
• Victor Mayor Jeffrey Potter
• Weston Mayor Greg Garner