Connie Hoffman of Independence Township walked the Orion Oaks Dog Park trails almost every morning for the past nine years. This year, her morning ritual paid off.
Hoffman, 59, is the grand prize winner of Oakland County Parks and Recreation’s 2011 Oakland County Walk Michigan. She won a four-day trip for two to Mackinac Island. They’ll stay at Mission Point Resort and participate in the Labor Day Bridge Walk with Gov. Rick Snyder.
‘I couldn’t believe it when I got the email saying I won,? Hoffman said. ‘My husband Harold and I haven’t been to Mackinac in quite a few years, so it’s nice to go back up there. I’m looking forward to walking over the bridge.?
Walk Michigan is a statewide non-competitive program established by Michigan Recreation and Parks Association and administered inthroughout the state to promote healthy lifestyles and physical activity.
It lasted two months and ended Aug. 9. Participants could submit an entry after walking at least a mile. Walkers submitted 444 entries totalling over 1,284.15 miles. Hoffman submitted more than 20 entries.
‘I’m there for at least an hour each morning, and I never stop walking,? Hoffman said.
She walks her dogs Riley and Judge at the dog park, starting when Riley, who is 9 now, was a puppy.
‘I’ve been going there ever since,? Hoffman said.
For more information, check DestinationOakland.com.
‘Phil Custodio