Albert Lea is one of five recipients of a sponsorship made available by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota called Open Streets. This year Blue Cross is sponsoring events in Albert Lea, Minneapolis, Richfield, Dilworth and St. Cloud. There will also be events in Moorhead, Bemidji and Rochester that are part of a separate Blue Cross-funded initiative.

As a Blue Zones Certified City, the community learned that social networks and support can positively influence health, while social isolation can have a negative impact on individual health. With this in mind, the mission of Open Streets is to invite people of all ages and abilities to walk, bike, socialize and play.

The event also encourages residents to get involved in the policies, funding and community design that will lead to Albert Lea being a place where the environment helps make the active choice an easy choice.

Albert Lea’s Open Streets event will be June 2 and will coincide with the dedication of the Blue Zones Walkway.