Tanger, WHS open new walking path at outlets
Karen Mansfield/Observer-Reporter
Taking part in the ribbon cutting at Tanger Walking Path on Thursday were, from left, Larry Pantuso of Washington Health System, Terry McCullough, WHS CEO Brook Ward, Debbi Pushey, and Kyle Anders and Amy Petro of Peters Township Chamber of Commerce.
Karen Mansfield/Observer-Reporter
A walking path at Tanger Outlet in South Strabane Township was dedicated on Thursday. Four loops around the marked path is equivalent to three miles.
Karen Mansfield/Observer-Reporter
A walking path sponsored by Washington Health System and Tanger Outlet was officially dedicated at the outdoor shopping mall on Thursday.
Dorothy followed the Yellow Brick Road.
Walkers, runners and bicyclists can follow a maroon “W” and white footprints to wind their way along the new Tanger Outlet-Washington Health System path.
The open-air outlet center in South Strabane Township and WHS held a ribbon-cutting on Thursday to commemorate the walking path, which takes outdoor enthusiasts on an asphalted trail around the perimeter of the shopping store.
Four loops around the marked trail is the equivalent of 3 miles.
Megan Hindes, marketing director at Tanger Outlet, said there was an increase in the number of people who started walking around the grounds during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Around June of last year, we noticed there were a lot of people using it, riding bikes, walking dogs, so we thought, why not make something more formal?” said Hindes. “There’s a lot of scenery and beauty on the back side of the buildings.”
So Tanger collaborated with WHS to develop the path.
Among those who participated in the ribbon-cutting ceremony were Terry McCullough of South Strabane Township and Debbi Pushey, owner of Coffee Express-o at Tanger, who both use the trail regularly.
McCullough started using the trail in early 2020 while recovering from foot surgery he underwent in October 2019.
“COVID hit while I was rehabbing, so that got canceled out and I thought, I’ve got to do something,” said McCullough. “So I came here and started walking here, and I’ve been doing it since 2020. I come every day, rain or snow, and I’ve been doing it ever since.”
A bonus: he’s lost nearly 50 pounds, dropping from 248 pounds to 199 pounds, a result of walking nearly 3 miles a day and following a healthy diet.
Pushey has been walking at Tanger for at least five years.
“I used to just walk the sidewalks,” said Pushey, who regularly completes at least a mile-and-a-half walk. “I walked before there was any outline of a path to follow, so this is really nice.”
WHS’s Ward said the health system is proud to partner with Tanger Outlet to bring the new walking path to the township.
“Getting exercise daily is very important to your health,” said Ward. “Remember to consult with your primary care physician before starting any new exercise regime.”