Blue Zones Project (BZP) Walking Moais look unassuming – simply a group of people going for a stroll to benefit their health and well-being. But they are so much more than a walk in the park.
“I spent a year walking by myself in the cemetery (Mountain View Cemetery) and I felt very lonely during COVID,” remembers Walla Walla resident, Melanie Plantaric. “I saw the advertisement for the Blue Zones Project Walking Moais, and I thought, ‘Oh my gosh!’”
Plantaric attended the Walking Moai launch in June of 2021 because she wanted to walk with other people. She had recently moved to Walla Walla after retiring from her career as a second-grade teacher of 31 years. She says she chose to retire in the valley because, “Walla Walla is a small town, but it attracts a diverse population of people that are approachable.”
Her friendly personality and leadership abilities made Plantaric a natural choice to become the organizer of her Walking Moai. When asked if she would be the leader she said, “Okay – I’ll do that!”
The group began walking and over a year later continue to walk every Wednesday morning in the Mountain View Cemetery. “I kind of feel like being in the cemetery is like being in church,” says Plantaric. “There is a sanctity about it. I never thought I’d fall in love with a cemetery – but I did with our Moai. It’s ironic because here we are trying to extend our lives by walking and we are reminded by our surroundings that we all die,” she laughs.
The members of the Mountain View Moai, as it’s now called, have become a great support to one another over the past year. A few members, like Plantaric, recently moved to the area and joined the group to find connection and friendship. One member lost her husband this past year. Not only has she walked with the group during this challenging time, but they have become friends and support one another by going to lunch and other social outings.
Another member, Susan Monahan, is a retired professor who has authored books about the history of Walla Walla. She tells the other members about the area’s past. She also researches the graves and posts signs that give historical accounts. “She makes the walks very interesting,” explains Plantaric.
The Mountain View Moai have not only befriended each other, they have befriended the park as well. “It’s wonderful that the cemetery is a city park,” smiles Plantric. “We all see the work the city employees do to keep it up and are witnesses to people’s love and devotion to those they visit in the cemetery.” The walkers love the park so much, they have donated money toward the historic signs Monahan creates for people to enjoy.
“If you’re looking for social engagement and exercise – a Walking Moai is the perfect combination,” says Plantaric. “It’s such a treasure.” Because of her dedication and leadership, the Mountain View Moai is not just a walking group. They have become a network of friends, a source of support, and informal advocates for their beloved cemetery.
