Bobcats get moving with Stroll Patrol

Whether the sun is shining, or rain is pouring down, OUPD Community Relations Officer John Stabler is out helping the OHIO community get moving while building connections on campus and in the community through the Stroll Patrol program. Stabler started Stroll Patrol this fall and has continued to lead groups of OHIO employees and community members on brisk walks around campus every Tuesday and Thursday at noon.

Stroll Patrol is a collaboration between OUPD and WellWorks that brings together OHIO employees, students, and other community members for conversation over the course of a half-hour walk. Participants generally get at least 3,000 steps during the Stroll Patrol walks.

WellWorks Director Jenn Bennett has been glad to provide best practices to support Stabler’s idea. “I was really excited to hear from Officer Stabler to create a program that supported physical activity, being outdoors, and building relationships across campus,” Bennett said. “We wanted to support Stroll Patrol in a way that encourages participants to feel ownership of the program, inviting their friends, requesting special guests, and experiencing campus in a positive, energizing way.”

“It’s a nice way to get folks together to talk while they’re also outside enjoying the weather,” said Stabler, who initiated the program after being appointed community relations officer, as a way to facilitate casual interactions between the police and the campus community. “Our Stroll Patrol program is meant to help keep our Bobcat family healthy, but also to bring people together,” Stabler explained. “We have the ability to help people talk about issues in an environment where they are comfortable. We strive to have an enjoyable stroll and keep people coming back.”

On a recent sunny Thursday, Stabler greeted each Stroll Patrol participant warmly before setting off on a loop through parts of College Green and the Richland Avenue corridor. As he walked past notable campus buildings Stabler shared trivia about the campus and greeted passers-by. Stabler had a smile to share with everyone he met along the way and spoke enthusiastically about future plans for Stroll Patrol and other campus and community collaborations, including a bicycle safety awareness event and a tree walk. “We’re hoping to do some other things to tie in with WellWorks,” he said.

Debi Orr, librarian in the College of Osteopathic Medicine, participates regularly in Stroll Patrol and appreciates the companionship and the activity since she says she sits too much during the day. “It gets me out of the office,” Orr said. “After doing this for a year, you build friendships.”

Stabler brings in special guests to discuss topics that are important to the OHIO community and the surrounding community. Special guests have included Dean of Students Jenny Hall-Jones, Vice President of Student Affairs Jason Pina, Mayor Steve Patterson, Director of Culinary Services Rich Neuman, and Director of Environmental Health and Safety Jeff Campbell.

Anne Ward, who works in Housing and Residence Life, participates in Stroll Patrol and enjoys going to WellWorks. “I like walking and I enjoy meeting people,” she said, explaining why she participates in the program. “You meet people you wouldn’t normally meet.”

Nancy Love, who also works in Housing and Residence Life, is another regular Stroll Patrol participant. “Getting out in the middle of the day is nice,” said Love.

Not only do the Stroll Patrol participants get to socialize with one another, OUPD officers, and invited guests, but they also serve as de facto ambassadors for the University greeting visiting families and providing directions on occasion.

Stroll Patrol participants meet up in front of Bird Arena at noon on Tuesdays and Thursdays, but may move to Walter Field House, or the Convocation Center for inclement weather. Find Stroll Patrol events on OHIO’s Calendar of University Events (CUE) and follow the OUPD on Facebook and Twitter for more information and updates.

Community Relations Officer John Stabler walks along South Green Drive with Stroll Patrol participants