A p r i l 2 0 2 1 • M a r i e m o n t , O h i o • V o l u m e X L V, N o . 7
Walking in Mariemont By Frank Raeon What started out as a co-written piece by two avid Mariemont walkers has resulted in an abundance of fun and informative material on walking in our Village. So, the Town Crier will run one author’s article here and another one in May’s issue! We hope everyone will enjoy reading about the many walking routes in our community, the numerous health benefits of walking, and why our neighbors consider “walkability” as one of their favorite things about Mariemont. When people think of Mariemont a number of impressions quickly come to mind. Tree lined streets, outstanding schools, a charming village center, the “Old Town Square” neighborhood, and a variety of housing choices, to name a few. But, just as important – and perhaps even more coveted - is its high degree of walkability. Indeed, Mariemont is one of the most walkable communities in all of Greater Cincinnati. On any given day, Mariemont’s streets and sidewalks, pathways and trails, are full of people who are out walking by themselves, as couples, in small groups, with their children in strollers, or with their dogs. Mornings, afternoons and evenings, weekdays and weekends, people of all ages can be seen walking throughout the Village. While many residents like to walk for exercise or solitude, others enjoy the company of good friends, neighbors, and family. Interestingly, the area located south of Wooster Pike appears to attract more walkers than the area north of the Pike. And, regardless of geography, when it comes to walking there’s no arguing that women outnumber men. Before moving to Mariemont, Julie Northrup lived in Terrace Park. At 87 years
young, she likes to walk by herself for an hour each day. Julie is a former tennis player, and walking 2 - 3 miles each day has become a passion - an important and fulfilling part of her life. While she enjoys walking throughout the Village and periodically stopping to talk with people she recognizes, Julie doesn’t like walking a set route. If you’re out and around first thing in the morning, you’ve probably seen her with her walking sticks on Crystal Springs, Mt. Vernon, and Mariemont Avenue. Like many other Village residents, including the author of this article, walking has become a habit for Julie. As an example of her dedication and discipline, she was previously a member of group of walkers who were committed to walking “50 miles in 50 days.” When Julie vacations with her son and his family in Florida over Spring Break, she looks forward to walking in the sand along the ocean every day. Liz Plachecki grew up in Mariemont and was a star multisport athlete at Mariemont High School. Now the mother of two little girls ages three and five, she likes to walk daily with them. Besides taking them Julie Northrop to and picking them up from pre-school, Liz enjoys walking Liz likes to walk in the Old Town Square to Starbucks and to The Coffee neighborhood of Mariemont where her girls Shop on Wooster in Fairfax. And when her enjoy playing at the tot lot located behind the husband joins them, Graeter’s on Mariemont Square is their favorite destination. Cont'd on page 4