BACK TO THE TRAILS
Countywide challenge program encourages residents to enjoy trails around the area
A countywide effort aimed at getting residents to visit the numerous outdoor trails has launched for the second year in a row after last year’s successful debut.
Officials say the program promotes healthy living and residents can earn rewards based on how many trails they visit.
The Montgomery County Health Department, with assistance from the Montgomery County Planning Commission, and the Parks, Trails and Historic Sites Division of the Department of Assets and Infrastructure, launched the second annual Montgomery County Trail Challenge at the May 4 commissioners’ meeting. The trail challenge runs through Dec. 3, 2017.
The challenge began last year as a family-friendly way to encourage physical activity and
“Last year’s trail challenge was a great success, and we’re expecting even more participation this year.” — Val Arkoosh, chairwoman of the Montgomery County Board of Commissioners
decrease the risk of heart disease and related health issues, such as Type 2 Diabetes and obesity, while at the same time connecting residents with the county’s parks, trails and historic sites, according to a press release.
In 2016, more than 1,500 participants ranging in age from 6 months to 73 years old walked or biked the Montgomery County trails.
Thirteen Montgomery County trails are part of the 2017 challenge, up from 10 in 2016. The trails connect greenways, waterways and heritage corridors throughout the county. In addition to the 13 trails, participants can visit an additional two trails, parks or county historic sites to receive credit towards an achievement level (Explorer, Adventurer or Trailblazer) in the challenge. It is not required to walk or bike the entire trail to get credit for the challenge. Montgomery County has partnered with Zagster to offer bikes for rent throughout the trail system for those who want to bike the trails.
“Last year’s trail challenge was a great success, and we’re expecting even more participation this year,” said Val Arkoosh, chairwoman of the Mont-
gomery County Board of Commissioners in the release. “And let me be the first commissioner to say: challenge accepted.”
Funded through a Pennsylvania Department of Health grant in partnership with the Health Department, Planning Commission and Parks, Trails and Historic Sites, the trails throughout the county are identified and assigned their own unique shape which is mounted at trail heads or parking lots. Upon visiting the listed parks and trails, participants need to correctly identify the designated shape.
Trail challenge cards can be printed from the website and can also be found at Montgomery County libraries, designated parks and trails, select YMCAs recreation centers and other locations throughout the county.
There are three levels of achievement in this year’s challenge:
• 5 Trails: Explorer (recognized with a patch)
• 10 Trails: Adventurer (recognized with a medal)
• 15 Trails: Trailblazer (recognized with a cooler backpack)
“Look for me out on our many beautiful trails over the next few months, because I plan to be the first commissioner to achieve the trailblazer level,” Arkoosh said Thursday.
“It’s on,” commissioners Ken Lawrence and Joe Gale replied.
Participants can submit their cards online or drop them off at Green Lane Park, Lorimer Park, Norristown Farm Park, Central Perkiomen or Lower Perkiomen Valley Park.
According to survey results from last year, 2016 participants included individuals, families, as well as youth groups from all parts of the county (Rockledge, Pottstown, Collegeville, Lansdale, East Greenville and King of Prussia) as well as neighboring counties (Philadelphia, Chester, Berks and Bucks).
At the end of the Challenge, a survey was conducted and the feedback was overwhelmingly positive. Of those surveyed: • 94 percent visited a new park or trail
• 76 percent learned something new about their community
• 72 percent exercised more
• 98 percent had or would re-visit a park or trail from the challenge
The county will be tracking progress of the challenge through December on social media and asks participants to use social media to post pictures and recognitions, and encourage friends to participate. Use the hashtag #MontcoTrailChallenge.