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Walking the Playa de Luminarias

December 14, 2022

Thank you to everyone who attended the Playa de Luminarias trail walk earlier this month - a fun, free event with prizes and activities for the whole family. Participants walked along the illuminated Playa Drain Trail between Yarbrough and Independence Drive, serenaded by mariachi music, with visits from elves, the Grinch and much more. This event was supported by the Paso del Norte Health Foundation’s Healthy Living priority area, which works with community organizations to make physical activity the easy choice for residents in our region. The Playa Drain Trail was developed by the Health Foundation in partnership with the City of El Paso and El Paso Water and stretches 8.3 miles from Ascarate Park to Capistrano Park. The Playa Drain Trail is part of a 68-mile county wide Paso del Norte Trail that will span the length of El Paso County when completed. The goal of the trail is to become a regional attraction that connects communities, celebrates El Paso’s history and culture, highlights the Rio Grande, promotes health and active living, and catalyzes economic development. For more information on upcoming events, visit the Paso del Norte Trail Facebook page or the Paso del Norte Trail website at pasodelnortetrail.org.


PDNHF Priority Area: Healthy Living

To support efforts that promote positive behaviors to prevent disease including healthy eating, physical activity, smoking/vaping prevention, and positive opportunities for youth.

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Healthy Living

PDNHF Initiative: Physical Activity

Regular physical activity is associated with positive health outcomes across the lifespan. In addition to decreasing people’s risk of chronic disease, physical activity improves cognitive function in youth, reduces anxiety and depression, and improves sleep. Despite these benefits, many do not engage in the recommended amount of daily physical activity. The Health Foundation’s stake in physical activity began in the early 2000’s with Walk El Paso. More recently, the Health Foundation constructed the Playa Drain Trail demonstration project and has partnered with regional stakeholders for the development of the Paso del Norte Trail network. Other areas of emphasis include the promotion of physical activity through educational programs, campaigns, and trail and park use.

2021 Paso del Norte Trail Report

Paso del Norte Trail Alignment

View Strategy Brief (English)

View Strategy Brief (Español)

Foundation Staff: Jana Renner

Additional Links

https://www.pasodelnortetrail.org/

Physical Activity

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