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Walking the 606, students in the summer school program in the Belmont Cragin Community, learn how the city made more active spaces out of a retired elevated train line.
Fo many of the students in the community this was the first time they had ever been on the 606 park trail, according to a recent article.
Students in the month long trial summer program within the Prieto Math and Science Academy, walked every other day along parts of the trail, interviewing locals on the trail about various topics. The program was allowing students to study any topic related to the trail, some students chose to interview local police officers of the trail and make a video about the do’s and don’ts of the trail. Staying to the right of those who are running or biking is a good rule, according to students, and making sure that your dog leash is not too long, is also a nice thing to keep in mind.
There are even strawberries along a part of the trail, encouraging walkers to pick and eat all they like. The locals are very excited about the trail, and many people are using it daily. Active and safe spaces like the 606 trail can help Latino families enjoy the outdoors and may help combat obesity with daily exercise.
“If you are ever in the mood to walk or jog, the 606 is a great place to go,” said 13-year-old Jose Barraza in a recent article. “You can see how it’s like in the west or in the east.”
The summer school program plans to continue using the trail for future summer and spring breaks, hoping to keep kids active in their steps towards a healthier and brighter future.
By The Numbers
33
percent
of Latinos live within walking distance (<1 mile) of a park
