Avid walker Paul Downing, 69, of Waterford, recently won a trip for two to Mackinac Island, including a walk with Michigan Governor Jennifer Granholm on the Mackinac Bridge, on Labor Day weekend.

The trip was compliments of the Oakland County Parks, a participant in the Michigan Recreation and Park Associations Walk Michigan/Walking Works! program.

From June-August, Downing submitted a contest entry every time he walked more than one mile at the Oakland County Parks.

Ive been walking at Waterford Oaks County Park for about 20 years, Downing said. I walk about three miles every day if it isnt raining or snowing.

Health is the key reason Downing walks.

Ive got an artificial heart valve that Ive had for 15 years and walking has been good for it, Downing said. Walking also helps keep my blood pressure and cholesterol normal.
Walking has also helped Downing with rehabilitation from a couple of recently sustained injuries, including a broken foot, collapsed lung and broken wrist.

Im back to walking three miles a day, he said. I will keep walking as long as I can, he said.

Hiking locations at the Oakland County Parks