by Cities of Wyoming and Kentwood
On Saturday, June 7, area residents are invited to gather at Kent County’s Millennium Park for a one- or two-mile trail Fun & Fitness Walk as part of the Walk in the Park campaign to help celebrate National Trails Day®. It is one of more than 2,000 celebratory activities planned nationwide.
The Fun & Fitness Walk is hosted in conjunction with the Cities of Wyoming, Walker, and Kentwood Parks and Recreation Departments, Kent County, the West Michigan Trails and Greenways Coalition, Friends of Grand Rapids Parks and MI Big Green Gym, a partnership between the Michigan Recreation and Park Association, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan and the Michigan Department of Natural Resources designed to promote being active in parks and as part of a healthy lifestyle.
“Michigan’s beautiful parks and recreation areas provide affordable and accessible places for residents to be active and practice a healthy lifestyle,” said Wyoming Mayor Jack Poll. “What better time to take advantage of our wonderful outdoor resources than National Trails Day!”
The national Walk in the Park event will begin at 9:00 a.m. Registration will be on-site the morning of the event. Sponsor Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan will provide water and snacks. Strollers are permitted; however, pets are not allowed. Area parks and recreation departments and trail advocacy groups will be on hand to share information on local walking clubs and trails.
Since 1993, National Trails Day® has inspired millions of individuals and community groups to take part in activities that promote healthy living and provide an opportunity to experience and enjoy our nation’s cherished green space, trails, and outdoor lands. Organized by the American Hiking Society and local communities, National Trails Day® events bring together outdoor enthusiasts across the country for a variety of activities including trail maintenance, hiking, paddling, biking, horseback riding, running, and more. More than 2,000 events are planned for the 2014 day, which is the 22nd annual celebration, designed to raise awareness of America’s magnificent trail system and its countless supporters and volunteers.
A list of all Walk in the Park events can be found at www.MIBigGreenGym.org.
The MI Big Green Gym initiative is a partnership between the Michigan Recreation and Park Association, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, and the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, designed to promote our state’s endless opportunities to get active. Learn more about MI Big Green Gym at www.MIBigGreenGym.org.
American Hiking Society’s National Trails Day® is a nationally recognized trail awareness program that occurs annually on the first Saturday of June and inspires the public to discover, learn about, and celebrate trails while participating in outdoor activities, clinics, and trail stewardship projects. National Trails Day® is a registered trademark of American Hiking Society. Learn more about National Trails Day® at www.americanhiking.org/national-trails-day.
To learn more about the City of Wyoming walk club call 530-3190, email parks_info@wyomingmi.gov
or visit www.wyomingmi.gov for local park and trail information.
