Rye Brook F.I.T. returns for 2nd year with free Zumba class, 5K Walk

Rye Brook Fitness Initiative Together (F.I.T.) is scheduled to host its second annual 5K Walk on Saturday, Apr. 22. It will be one of two events over the next couple of weeks—the other being a free Zumba class this Saturday, Apr. 15.

The Zumba class is free and requires no registration—prospective participants need only show up at Pine Ridge Park. The class will begin at 11 a.m. and will be taught by Greenwich, Conn., based Zumba instructor Rita Freitas, who has been teaching classes in the dance-based cardio activity for over 10 years.

The 5K Walk will begin at 9 a.m. at the lower level of Ridge Street Elementary School and will take participants around the Country Ridge neighborhood. There will be giveaways along the route, according to the Rye Brook Village newsletter.

Registration is required for the free event. Residents can sign up through their CommunityPass account—to make one, Google “Rye Brook CommunityPass” and click the first result to find the portal, then click “Create an Account.”

Then, they can search “Rye Brook Recreation,” select “Browse Activities” and choose the “2023 Spring and Summer” option. They should find an event labeled “Rye Brook F.I.T. 5K Walk” and can sign up there.

“This is something we thought should continue,” said Rye Brook Trustee Susan Epstein. “It’s really for the community.”

Epstein helped create the F.I.T. program after she noticed numerous residents walking around the Village during the COVID-19 pandemic. It launched in April 2022.

The goal for this year’s events is to “get as many participants there as possible,” she said.

In the event of rain or other inclement weather, the 5K Walk will be rescheduled for Saturday, Apr. 29, at the same time and place.

And there will be a second walk this year, too, which is scheduled for Saturday, Nov. 4.