Every year since 1993, nature lovers and health enthusiasts alike have celebrated National Trails Day. The holiday was set up by the American Hiking Society to promote public awareness of and appreciation for America's trails and to promote cooperative efforts among hikers, bicyclists, equestrians, walkers, runners and any other trail users. National Trails Day is nationally celebrated on the first Saturday in June (this year, June 5) and area events are numerous (and free).The City of Clearwater hosts two separate happenings to honor the occasion. From 9 a.m. unti1 1 p.m., activities and displays occupy the Clearwater Police Department on East Avenue between Pierce and Franklin streets. This event provides free fingerprinting for children, bicycle games and Clearwater Police Department Bicycle Patrol demonstrations. The other happening is a bicycle rodeo and safety course that is set up at Toys 'R Us (26286 U.S. 19 N., Clearwater) from 1 to 3 p.m. Here, participants can get tips on improving their bicycle skills and treat themselves to a free bicycle tune-up, and parents can have their child fingerprinted and/or have their child's safety seat checked. For more information on either of these events, call Felicia at 727-562-4852.
In Brandon, the Suncoast Chapter Florida Trail Association presents an Alafia River Corridor Day Hike (7 miles) that begins at 9 a.m. Participants are encouraged to bring water, a bag lunch, bug spray and any other hiking necessities. For directions to the site, please call Lili at 813-935-6260 or e-mail lkmann@juno.com.
Hillsborough County Parks, Recreation and Conservation Department presents a ribbon-cutting ceremony for a new facility and trail, a multi-use shared path located in North Tampa. The facility offers a trailhead, parking, meeting room, restrooms, equestrian parking and, of course, a trail. Please call Tina Russo for details at 813-264-8511 or e-mail Tarusso@aol.com. The trail is located at 9201 W. Waters Ave. (across from the YMCA), Town N Country. The ceremony starts at 9 a.m.
Finally, the Suncoast Sandpipers Volkssport Club hosts a 10K Walk and a 25K Bike ride in Largo. Events begin at 8 a.m. in Taylor Park (1100 Eighth Ave. S.W.) and move onto the Pinellas Trail. Water and candy are available at the checkpoint. Please call 727-595-2173 or e-mail pipers@tampabay.rr.com for further information.—Leilani Polk
This article appears in Jun 3-9, 2004.