We had a great turnout on Thursday, July 24, 2025, at our Move This Way event with Chalk Lady Kara Carlson, held in conjunction with New Ulm Park & Recreation’s Rec on the Go program! Located at North Park, the “Move This Way” activity is designed to get young people and their parents to be physically active and to start having important conversations about mental health. Check out the article in the Journal.
Carlson, the talented artist who brought the Move This Way activity to life, became known as the “Chalk Lady” of New Ulm for drawing uplifting art on her sidewalk during the COVID pandemic. She has been involved in creative work and art projects since the ’90s when she graduated as an art major from St. Cloud State University.
The Move This Way activity was created at North Park in the late summer of 2024 and two new stations were recently added to the original eight. The activity provides a fun opportunity for people of all ages to be active, talk, think and learn about topics related to their physical, mental and social well-being.
At different stations, people are encouraged to follow the prompts on a sign posted by each station to engage in an activity illustrated on the sidewalk, such as stepping, jumping, breathing, or following a line. After doing the activity, people can use the questions on the sign to spark discussion. The walk aims to educate the community about mental health topics such as trauma and anxiety and guide them to local tools and resources available on our website.