The City was recently informed that our Lake Michigan Drive (M-45) Tunnel project was selected as the American Public Works Association (APWA) project of the year for the state of Michigan! The tunnel and the vision for the Fred Meijer Standale Trail has been a 20 year effort for Walker. We are very proud of the project and the consideration that it is garnering from industry professionals around the state. The tunnel was the final phase for the effort that included a generational effort from grass roots supporters, elected officials, and countless trail and transportation officials across the state. Employees and officials, past and present, invested their hearts into this project and the recognition helps to show just how important Walker is to the region. We are building a sense of place!

If you have not been out to see the tunnel please consider a nice walk or bike ride this spring. The project really creates an inviting public space that will benefit the Standale business district, GVSU students, users of the Rapid bus system and the thousands of residents that live within a mile of this key crossing of Lake Michigan Drive. Thanks for all the community support and congratulations to our residents and businesses on this award!!!! We all played a role in the success. 

 

The City of Walker has eight outdoor warning sirens located throughout the City. The sirens are tested on the first Friday of each month from April through October. During the spring and summer months these sirens are used to alert the residents in Walker that may be outdoors of the potential for severe weather (tornados, high winds) that may be eminent within Kent County and the City of Walker. Currently, the Kent County Sherriff’s Department Dispatch sets off the sirens when they receive information from the National Weather Service. If the possibility of a High Wind Warning (Over 70 MPH), or a Tornado Warning is issued, the sirens will be activated. The sirens, once activated, will sound for three minutes and be followed every 10 to 15 minutes until the warnings are canceled. If you are outside during this activation, please go inside and turn on your radio, television, computer or smart phone for more weather information.

The first siren test for this year will take place on Friday, April 6 at 12:00 noon.  The sirens will sound for three minutes. 

2018 marks the 20th year that Walker Ice and Fitness Center has been serving the fantastic people in Walker and its surrounding areas.

We are thrilled to be able to serve over 2000 members in the Fitness Center. We also are home to more than 300 families who participate in the HAWK Hockey program.

 

Our Adult Hockey program sees about 50 teams in a year. These teams also participate in the Walker Cup Tournament several times a year.

WIFC is also home to tournaments like the Meijer Games and we are home of the Kenowa Hills Knights hockey.

Our Recreation Department works with more than 800 children in the soccer program, 100+ girls Softball, 60+ teams in Adult Softball, 1000’s of residents for the Easter Egg Hunt, hundreds of people that attend the Memorial Day Parade and the Senior Bowling Tournament. 

 

Not even mentioning some of the great events we sponsor, like Winterfest and Pumpkin Bash!

WOW, that’s a lot of people! We are proud of what we have accomplished over the past 20 years and we want to thank you for standing with us to make Walker Ice and Fitness Center stand the test of time.

Over the next few months, watch for some fun events to take place. Mark your calendars for July 11, 2018. We will be having a celebration for the community. You will want to come and celebrate with us!

Do you know someone who wants to start exercising but needs motivation? Tell your friend to stop by WIFC and sign up for a Free 7-Day Trial*. They can try the classes, machines, saunas, steam rooms, track child care. It’s always more fun to work out with a buddy and it keeps both people motivated and accountable!

After the 7 days they can join for a low monthly fee and NO CONTRACTS! *They must be 18 years of age, local resident and first time visitor.



Walker Ice & Fitness Center is happy to partner with 26 local businesses/organizations by offering discounted gym memberships! We are very proud of these relationships that we have been able to support. Thank you all for participating with us. If you would like more information about our Corporate rates, please feel free to contact Terri or Mary Kay at (616) 735-6286.

Congratulations to Scott Fletcher for becoming a Certified Personal Trainer through the National Academy of Sport Medicine (NASM) and First Aid/CPR/AED certified through the American Red Cross. He also studied at the National Personal Training Institute, completing a 500 hour personal trainer course in 2017. Scott has a passion for powerlifting and helping clients hit new fitness goals. Make your appointment with him to begin your fitness journey.

Welcome to WIFC, Scott!

What a fun day! Monday, March 5, 2018, Walker Ice & Fitness Center celebrated their members with an Appreciation Day! More than 400 check-ins with healthy snacks, massages and fun! Thanks to all the local businesses that participated.

Softball Leagues offered for Men’s, Women’s and Co-ed teams.

8-week season beginning June 5, 2018

Registration open March 26 through April 7 at Walker Ice and Fitness Center.

Information packets available March 1.

For more information on all Recreation programs and special events please contact the Walker Ice and Fitness center at (616) 735-6286,  www.walkericeandfitness.com or visit our Facebook page.