Chilly autumn days are fast approaching but there’s still plenty of time to enjoy the great outdoors before the snow starts to fly — and one of the best opportunities to enjoy the green spaces in Macomb County is Meet Me on the Trail Day.
This first-ever event, which happens on Sept. 25, 2021, is a one-day event that promotes the health and wellness of county residents and celebrates the growth of Macomb County’s trails by encouraging families to spend time in the area’s parks.
“Meet Me on the Trail is a great way to celebrate Macomb County’s hike and bike paths in all communities” Maria Zardis, the manager of business outreach and communications with the Macomb County Department of Planning and Economic Development, says. “It provides a great opportunity for families to enjoy a variety of activities at each location.”
This year’s event runs concurrently with Michigan Trails Week, so many of the participating locations feature hiking and biking activities. That said, activities vary from park-to-park, so Zardis encourages families to try multiple locations while they’re out for the day.
“All of our locations will offer hands-on activities for individuals and families,” she adds.
Some of the activities this year includes guided hikes at the Burgess-Shadbush Nature Center at Riverbends Park in Shelby Township, Chuck-a-Duck at Clinton River Park in Mount Clemens, the Festival of Senses in Clinton Township and Walk-N-Play at Veteran’s Memorial Park in Roseville, among others.
You’ll also be able to do yoga, walk and explore the trails, kayak, fish, ride your bike and picnic at select locations during the event, so no matter what your family is into, you’ll find something fun to do on Meet Me on the Trail Day.
“Hike and bike trails offer measurable benefits to the communities where they are located,” says Amanda Minaudo, the AICP and Program Director for Planning and Mapping Services with the Macomb County Department of Planning and Economic Development.”Generally speaking, trails help to boost public health, community vibrancy and housing values, (and) just like the state, we’d like to see more places where people can enjoy non-motorized travel from place to place.”
Meet Me on The Trail Day 2021
This year’s Meet Me on the Trail Day takes places from dawn to dusk on Saturday, Sept. 25, 2021, though times for the activities vary from location to location.
Some parks, like the county’s Huron-Clinton Metroparks, may require a nominal fee to enter or park, but most parks feature free admission.
You can find a full list of participating parks — and the activities they have planned — on the Macomb County Department of Planning and Economic Development’s website, Make Macomb Your Home. Find more articles like this at Metro Parent’s A Family Guide to Macomb County.
