For Ruth Parlier, staying active just comes natural.

A regular at the City of Elizabethton Recreation Center, the resident recently completed the Parks and Recreation’s “Walk Across America” walking program — walking 2,817 miles inside the facility.

Momentum was on Parlier’s side, according to Recreation Manager David Nanney, who added that the participant had recently completed the department’s “Walk Across Tennessee” program by walking 539 miles — the equivalent of walking from Mountain City to Memphis.

In the case of Parlier’s recent triumph, the America walking program has individuals walk the equivalent of Virginia Beach, Va., to Los Angeles, Calif., by never having to leave the gym.

“This is just another program we want to offer to encourage healthy living in the community,” Nanney said. “All the participants of the program seem to enjoy it. It is a great way for people to come to the gym, spend time together in fellowship and stay active.”

With spring in full effect, Nanney added the walking programs go year long to give individuals a chance to stay active during inclement weather.

“Whether it’s the gym, Tweetsie Trail or activities we have, our goal is to promote the public to come out and enjoy what’s around us,” he said. “With this walking program, it gives people a chance to stay active year long in the gym. With this program, participants can walk during the winter months and on days when there’s inclement weather outside.”

This time of the year also tends to be more active with the department with the spring weather. Activities on the horizon in the coming months include the opening of the Franklin Pool, the Covered Bridge Jams concert series and Tweetsie Trail Treasure Trip. An increase in traffic is also expected at the various parks around the city with renovations underway. Improvements at Riverside Park were recently completed while work is now underway at Harmon Park to place new pavilions and a restroom area for the public.

Individuals wanting to learn more about the walking programs offered by Parks & Rec can visit the Recreation Center, www.elizabethton.org or call (423) 547-6441.