On Sunday, September 16, from 1-3pm, the South Hadley Bike-Walk Committee, in partnership with the Council On Aging and the Planning/Conservation Department, invite the public to enjoy a special strolling event for everyone at the new River-To-Range Trail.
Go4Life Stroll: An All-Ages, All-Abilities, Family-Fun Walk
Sunday, September 16, 2018 from 1:00 to 3:00pm
River to Range Trail at Bachelor Brook Conservation Area
(adjacent to 240 Ferry Street, South Hadley)
“Our ‘All-Ages, All-Abilities, Family-Fun Walk’”, said Mariann Millard, Chair, Bike-Walk Committee, “is designed with everyone in mind to simply have fun together on a Sunday afternoon while enjoying our newest trail in town.”
Located at the Bachelor Brook-Stony Brook Conservation Area on Ferry Street (adjacent to the Mount Holyoke College Boathouse at 240 Ferry Street), the new one-mile River-to-Range loop trail offers beautiful woodland and field views, and seasonal views of the Connecticut River.
“We’re excited to offer the in-depth knowledge of Leo Labonte and Dennis Swartwout, our volunteer interpreters, who will regale strollers with tales of the river and flora”, said Anne Capra, Conservation Administrator/Planner. “They’ll be stationed at two of the four rest areas on the trail and strollers can stop at their leisure to chat and ask questions of these two local experts.”
The trail has been designed to accommodate mobility at all levels, and features an easily traversed surface. Bike-Walk Committee trek guides along with South Hadley Lions Leo Club volunteers will be available to escort strollers for those wishing one as they travel at their own pace on the trail.
“Everyone is invited to stay and socialize after the Stroll”, said Leslie Hennessey, Director, Council on Aging/Senior Center. “We’re grateful for Big Y’s generous water donation and we’ll be offering healthy snacks as well as featuring the delicious talents of the South Hadley High School Culinary Program.”
There is no charge for participation, but if you are able, please bring a donation for the Neighbors Helping Neighbors Food Pantry. Leashed and crowd-friendly dogs may join the fun with their owners. Baby/toddler strollers are welcome, but the public is asked not to bring and ride bikes during the event for safety reasons.
Parking is available at the small lot located near the start of the trail and in the MHC Boathouse circular driveway. Carpooling is encouraged to maximize available spaces.
Non-enjoyable or hazardous inclement weather/conditions will force a cancellation. If necessary, a Community News announcement will be posted on South Hadley Town’s website at southhadleyma.gov.
“Henry David Thoreau once opined, ‘It is a great art to saunter.’”, said Leslie Hennessey. “Thanks to our ‘Community Partners’ which include our volunteer interpreters, Police Department, High School, the Lions’ Leo Club, Big Y and Mount Holyoke, it will indeed be a very special stroll event.”
For more information, email: bikewalksouthhadley@gmail.com.
Information flyer: Go4Life Stroll Information Flyer (1-Pg PDF)
