The Johnson County Department of Health and Environment, students and staff at Brookridge Elementary School and several community partners will celebrate National Walk & Roll to School Day on Tuesday, Oct. 8.

The event begins at 7:30 a.m. with students, families and staff riding to Brookridge Elementary in Overland Park, Kan. Participants will learn safety tips, receive healthy food samples, visit the Overland Park Fire Department truck and meet Gus the K9 dog.

“Active trips to school enable children to incorporate the regular physical activity they need each day while also forming healthy habits that can last a lifetime,” said Jill Raiford, JCDHE health educator. “It’s inspiring to see how Walk & Roll to School Day events can encourage lasting change. And we’re so happy to be part of that effort – and the fun, too!”

The event is the result of a partnership between JCDHE, Brookridge Elementary School, BikeWalk KC, Overland Park Fire Department, K-State Research & Extension, Johnson County Sheriff’s Office, Kansas Highway Patrol, the Pilot Club of Shawnee Mission and Safe Kids Johnson County.

National Walk & Roll to School Day raises awareness of the need to create safer routes to school, builds a sense of community and school spirit, inspires families to try something new and encourages those who already practice this healthy habit.