In July 2005, the NYC Commission on Women's Issues, in partnership with the Department of Parks and Recreation, the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, the YMCA, and the Police Athletic League, announced Step Out, New York City (now called Walk NYC), a comprehensive, Citywide walking program for families and individuals of all ages that took place throughout the summer. At the announcement of the program, Parks & Recreation Commissioner Adrian Benepe and event representatives joined Northern Manhattan community members in a ceremonial walk around J. Hood Wright Park's inner footpath to commence the program. Since then, the program has grown exponentially.

From May until October, over twenty different parks and recreation centers throughout the city will be staffed with trained walking instructors to lead walks. Participants meet at locations around the City to take part in organized 1 ½ to 2 mile walks.