Not only was Saturday, June 2, a hot, sunny morning in downtown Lake Orion, but it was also a time for fun as National Trails Day was celebrated in Children’s Park from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
‘The event was started by the American Hiking Society 15 years ago to inspire the public to discover trails, participate in educational exhibits, trail dedications and workshops,? said Kristen Myers, Trailways Coordinator of the Paint Creek Trail.
Myers said that the event was held in downtown Lake Orion due to its location between the Paint Creek and Polly Ann Trails.
‘We wanted to showcase the importance of the Village of Lake Orion in the Oakland County Trail Network, as it sits in the middle of two major county trails – ours and the Polly Ann Trail,? she added. ‘Our goal was also to show trail users who are not familiar with the area, how they can easily access the downtown Lake Orion business district. Many people on the trail are destination oriented; we want to educate them on the restaurants, stores, bike and running shops that are less than a quarter-mile from the trail.?
Myer said that they teamed up with the Lake Orion Downtown Development Authority (DDA) and Orion Township Parks and Recreation, along with the generous support of Meijer and HealthPlus of Michigan, to host the event, which featured a day jam-packed with lots of different fun-filled activities.
The morning kicked off with a children’s bike, trike and wagon parade led by Lake Orion’s own Doggie Mayor Misty Gladstone. Following the parade, kids could enjoy a free rocking climbing wall and inflatable bouncer, ‘Make your Own Hiking Stick? free activity and Radio Disney’s Rock ‘N Roll Bike Rally.
There was also a Trail Recognition Ceremony, along with a geocaching demonstration and various local businesses and organizations present.
AM 910 Radio Disney has on hand to broadcast the event.
‘We feel the event was extremely successful – the most successful in nine years. Mother Nature cooperated, and we had wonderful attendance,? Myers said of the annual event, estimating that over 700 people attended the trails celebration.
For Myers, while the day is lots of fun, it is most important for helping to gain trails awareness.
‘The community needs to know that the trail network in Oakland County is one of the most organized and progressive in the country,? she said. “People don’t need to spend money on gym memberships and equipment when this asset known as the Paint Creek Trail is right in their backyards.?
National Trails Day is always celebrated the first Saturday in June making Saturday, June 7, 2008 the date for next year’s 10th Annual National Trails Day.
For more information about the Paint Creek Trail, visit them online www.paintcreektrail.org.