Fishing Opener by Brophy

With the nice weather finally upon us, many people are looking to spend more time outside. Exercise is important for mental health, as well as a person’s wellbeing. It also helps reduce obesity.

Several years ago, Horizon Public Health received a grant from Blue Cross Blue Shield and developed Active Living Douglas County. The grant was for five years, and during that time, maps were created with walking routes around the county. Alexandria maps were first created, then maps for Brandon, Evansville, Osakis and Garfield were added.

A coalition of partners were formed in each community, and those are the people who helped develop the maps. On each of the maps, there are key points to look for. Some are historical and because the maps were developed several years ago, some of the points, such as local businesses, may no longer exist. However, the routes are still functional.

A total of 20 maps were developed for Douglas County and are available on the Horizon Public Health website, horizonpublichealth.org/ services/healthy-lifestyles/ship/.

For the city of Alexandria, there are a total of five maps –ranging from 1.78 miles to 3.3 miles – with each one focusing on a different area of town.

The map labeled Kinkead (2.02 miles), for example, highlights Big Ole, The Depot, Kinkead Cemetery, Hicks History and the Batesole House. Hicks refers to William Hicks, who bought the site of the city and drew up the plans for streets and avenues. His family donated the land for the courthouse, a school and three early churches. The Batesole House is the location of the Hicks’ first home.

Summer Sounds by Brophy is a new concert series put on by the Alexandria Rotary Club and sponsored by several local businesses.

The purpose of the concert series, according to the event’s website, is to bring the community together while raising money for local park projects throughout Douglas County. The concerts are free and for all ages. There will be food trucks on site. Coolers are not allowed, but attendees can grab a drink from the Brophy Pub and help support the fundraising efforts.

A shuttle will run every 10 minutes from 4:30 to 9:30 p.m. from the Douglas

County Fairgrounds to the Visitor Center at Brophy Park. Parking at Brophy Park is extremely limited. Concertgoers should enter the north entrance off County Road 114.

All concerts start at 5 p.m.

Here is the schedule:

Tuesday, July 18 – The Fabulous Armadillos presented by Alomere Health

Tuesday, July 25 – Slamabama presented by Knute Nelson

Tuesday, Aug. 1 – Xpedition presented by Bell Bank

For more information, visit the Summer Sounds by Brophy website at summersoundsbybrophy.com.