On Saturday, May 4 at 10:30 a.m., the Beach Cities Health District will lead a free community walk through Manhattan Beach parks and history. The walk will cover the Manhattan Beach Art Center, the Manhattan Beach Historical Society, and the Manhattan Beach Botanical Garden in Polliwog Park.

All told, the walk will cover approximately one to one-and-one-half miles and will last about 90 minutes. Walkers are encouraged to wear comfortable shoes and bring a water bottle and sunscreen. 

The walk, led by BCHD volunteer Fred Manna, will begin at the Manhattan Beach Cultural Arts Center, 1560 Manhattan Beach Blvd. The event is free but RSVPs are required (click link to register).

The walk is part of a series of community events known as "Jane's Walks." Jane’s Walks are citizen-led walking tours that encourage people to share stories about their neighborhoods, discover unseen aspects of their communities, and use walking to connect with their neighbors.

Jane’s Walks were inspired by Jane Jacobs (1916-2006), the urbanist and author who championed the voices of everyday people in neighborhood planning and city-building. A firm believer in the importance of local residents having input on how their neighborhoods develop, Jacobs encouraged people to familiarize themselves with the places where they live, work, and play.