LA PLATA, Md. — Strong Towns Charles County is inviting residents to take a closer look at their communities this October through a series of Walktober “Neighborhood Walk & Talks.” The events encourage people to get out on foot and see how the design of streets and sidewalks affects daily life.
Strong Towns Charles County advocates for smarter, people-oriented development to make local communities safer, more livable and financially prosperous. The group is part of the national Strong Towns organization, a nonprofit that works across the country to promote development patterns that are resilient, financially sustainable and focused on building places where people and communities can thrive.
This fall, the group is inviting neighbors of all ages and backgrounds to join in leisurely group walks through different parts of Charles County. Each walk offers a chance to see the built environment up close, share ideas and discuss ways to strengthen the community. Everyone is welcome to take part in the conversation.
Walking holds special significance in Maryland: In 2008, the state officially designated walking as its state exercise, making it the first U.S. state to adopt such a symbol. The designation highlights that walking is a critical component of health and well-being at both individual and community levels. Just 30 minutes a day can improve heart health, lower blood pressure and reduce the risk of certain cancers and osteoporosis. It also helps relieve stress and boost mood, making it one of the easiest ways to support both physical and mental health.
Walktober highlights these benefits by encouraging residents to get outside, connect with their surroundings and make walking part of everyday life. Organizers hope the events give people a fresh perspective on their neighborhoods and how they move through them. “We hope they leave the event with the knowledge that identifying barriers to walking, biking and rolling is the first step towards making our communities more inviting and livable places for everyone, drivers and nondrivers alike,” organizers said.
Walktober 2025 Schedule In Charles County
- Oct. 1 – 6 p.m. | Walk Maryland Day
Downtown La Plata, with the Town of La Plata - Oct. 5 – 4 p.m. | Neighborhood Walk
Smallwood Village Center in Waldorf - Oct. 8 – Anytime | Walk/Bike to School Day
Independent activity for families; more at walkbiketoschool.org - Oct. 12 – 11:30 a.m. | Neighborhood Walk
Waldorf West Library in Waldorf - Oct. 18 – 10 a.m. | Neighborhood Walk
Downtown Indian Head and the River Walk - Oct. 25 – 11 a.m. | Neighborhood Walk & Strong Towns Charles County Monthly Meeting
Downtown La Plata
Get Involved With Strong Towns Charles County
Strong Towns Charles County advocates for smarter, people-oriented development to make local communities safer, more livable and financially prosperous. More information and RSVP links are available at facebook.com/strongtownscharlescounty.
Contact Strong Towns Charles County
Email: strongtownscharlescounty@gmail.com
Subscribe on Substack: strongtownscharlescounty.substack.com
Become a member: Online interest form
About Walk Maryland Day
Walk Maryland Day, held on Wednesday, Oct. 1, is the statewide celebration of Maryland’s official exercise and a call to action to support safe walking and walkability. Marylanders can register as a Walk Leader to host a walk in their community or as a Sole Mate to join an existing walk. Walks can be solo or in groups, in parks, neighborhoods or even on treadmills, with all participants encouraged to share their experiences on social media using #WalkMD2025.
Can’t make the local event? Or want to become a Walk Leader yourself? Learn more and register at mdot.maryland.gov/walktober.
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