What time can you be there?

The most recent debate about the planning has been the time of the event. Some people just won't be able to wake-up early and get there by 9am. But all runs, walks n' rolls that I know of start early - at 8 or 9 am. Part of the reason that we need to start early is because we do not have exclusive use of the trail. The trail is open to the public and we will be "hogging" it for a portion of the morning, so the earlier the better (fewer people from general public). I think starting the walk n' roll at 9am is reasonable. Any opinions?

Confirmed!

I have confirmed Baylands Park in Sunnyvale for the Walk n' Roll for Ataxia on Sept. 27th! First, I had to verify that we could rent accessible portable toilets to put nearby the picnic area since the bathrooms are not very close to the picnic area. I was surprised to get the ok to do that! I have already paid a (hefty) reservation fee, so now I am motivated to find sponsors to cover the costs! I think this location will work out well because it has a short and long walk option and a large picnic area for the raffle and gathering afterwards.

Baylands Park

I called Baylands Park in Sunnyvale today and there is one large picnic area available to reserve on 9/27. There is also no need to get special permits for the trail - since they do not rent it out for exclusive use, we are free to share it. But, there is one concern - the bathrooms are not close to the picnic area. I will need to ask if they will let me rent accessible portable toilets...

More to check out

People are volunteering more possibilities for locations. I guess I will be busy this weekend checking them out. Anyone want to join me? I will upload some photos of the places I visit.
If anyone is already familiar with these trails and knows whether they would be suitable, please let me know.
-Baylands Park, Sunnyvale
-Chickadee Nature Trail, Huddart Park, San Mateo
Keeping fingers crossed!

location, location, location

I found out today that Santa Clara's Fremont Park is not available for 9/27. Since I work for Parks and Recreation in Santa Clara, I'm looking into other possibilities there.
On a positive note, I got more help in my search. My mom's friend Hideko volunteered to help me to find a location. She suggested Central Park in Fremont, which has a lake.
I am staying in the east bay this weekend and hope to check out the Berkeley and San Leandro marina.
Here are a couple of other possibilities: Los Alamitos Shoreline-Mountain View
It would be ideal to secure a location by 3 months prior to the event date - 6/27.

Temporary discouragement

I got a little discouraged about the planning yesterday.
The challenge of finding the right location is getting overwhelming. I visited Lake Cunningham park and although the path is nice and flat, the setting is hot and barren with no shade. Central Park in Santa Clara is nicer, but the loop is only about 0.3 miles around... Redwood City marina's path is also too short. Maybe we could walk it more than once? Then, even if I find a path that works, there is no guarantee that I will be able to get permits...
Also, someone criticized my efforts by saying that there are better ways to fundraise and promote the cause than by doing a walk. But, the walk actually has many functions besides fundraising. Having people affected with ataxia and their families present and actively participating makes the event inspiring and meaningful. I'm not trying to break any fundraising records. I'm just trying to start a team effort that will have a small effect with the potential to grow in the future.

Name the Event

I am already feeling plenty of support with this project! My friends have started contributing efforts toward the success of the walk and I'm finding myself trying to keep up with the pace of help from people. I have a bunch of potential locations to check out this weekend. My art/design friend who is already thinking about the flyers and t-shirts, tells me that I need to confirm a name for the event. So, if you are reading, please help me out by voting for one of the following titles or suggesting a variation of one.

#1 The 1st Annual San Francisco Bay Area Walk n' Roll for Ataxia
#2 The First Annual SF Bay Area Walk n' Roll for Ataxia
#3 2008 S.F. Bay Area Walk n' Roll for Ataxia
#4 The 1st Annual SF Bay Area Walk n' Roll for Ataxia

Which do you think would look best on flyers and t-shirts?

Ready, Set, Go!

I have told enough people about the plan for the 1st Annual SF Bay Area Walk n' Roll for ataxia on Saturday, Sept. 27th, 2008 that I am committed to coordinating it now. Funny how that works. I have talked with Earl, who runs the San Diego walk about how to get started, I have communicated with a few of the key local ataxia group members about it, and I have contacted the National Ataxia Foundation (NAF), the organization that will receive the proceeds from the event.
Also, I have announced to my friends that I will be taking on this project. After all, the key to success for this event will be from the support of people I know and volunteer power. I am lucky to know a lot of talented people including artists, engineers, event planners, and marketing people. Thank you in advance if you are reading this.
First thing to do is to organize a planning committee. I have Ikue, Mike, and Deb on board.
Next, we need to find a location for the event. It sounds simple enough, but there are many requirements to make this a fun and accessible walk for all. Many of the participants will be individuals with ataxia, who may be using assistive devices or wheelchairs. We need a flat, wide, accessible path of about one mile. Ideally, it will be a loop path so that if people want to turn back in the middle, they won't be like a salmon swimming upstream against traffic. I am open to anywhere in the bay area. So far, I have three places in mind:
1. Central Park in Santa Clara
2. Redwood City harbor area
3. Crissy Field in SF
I have also gotten other suggestions, like , the San Leandro marina and Lake Cunningham Park in San Jose, or using a high school track. Please keep the input and ideas coming!