Every Wednesday at 10:30 a.m., a small group gathers at a Pierce County park for a walk.

There's no fee, no registration pressure, no clinical setting. Just fresh air, conversation, and company for Tacoma residents living with memory loss and the people who care for them.

Lutheran Community Services Northwest is running these free Memory Walks at locations including Wapato Park and Dune Peninsula at Point Defiance Park, rotating among sites each week. Pat Jenkins, LCSNW's Senior Friends Program Coordinator, leads the outings.

Participants get gentle exercise and social connection outdoors.

The program is open to anyone living with memory loss and their care partners, according to LCSNW's program announcement published Thursday, July 9.

Creative programs at St. Mark's by the Narrows

LCSNW also offers two evidence-based creative programs for people with Alzheimer's disease and other neurocognitive disorders: Opening Minds through Art, an intergenerational art-making program, and Music and Memories.

Rachel Petersen, LCSNW's Integrated Arts Instructor, leads both programs at St. Mark's Lutheran Church by the Narrows in Tacoma.

The organization has also expanded sessions to Edgewood and the Key Peninsula for the first time.

Alia Masonsmith joined LCSNW as a new Integrated Arts Instructor and is completing her training in the Opening Minds through Art curriculum.

"We're excited to have Rachel and Alia leading these programs as we expand to the Key Peninsula," said Sarah Call, LCSNW's program manager of Senior Volunteer Services in Pierce County.

She added that the additional locations allow the organization to reach more families navigating dementia.

Memory Cafés returning this summer

Memory Cafés, also led by Jenkins, will return later this summer. The free gatherings bring together people living with dementia, family members, friends, and caregivers to share stories, swap caregiving tips, and eat a meal together.

A specific restart date and location have not been announced.

How to connect

All programs are free.

Residents can email [email protected] or call 253-272-8433 for schedules and to find out which park hosts the next Wednesday walk.

Dune Peninsula at Point Defiance Park features an 11-acre waterfront loop trail with views of Puget Sound and Mount Rainier, making it one of the more scenic stops on the rotation.