“Winter is a hard time of year to be active, and attending a scheduled event every week that makes exercise enjoyable is a great way to boost your physical and mental health when we’re not as motivated to get outside,” said Suzanne Roth, director of programming at MetroParks of Butler County.
The goal is to encourage residents to explore a park they may not have visited, to foster camaraderie and to get that much-needed mental health boost during the short, cold days of winter.
“We are hoping to make the hike series an annual event. It’s really important for people to be able to get out of their houses during the wintertime, especially when we have snow events like we did last week. It’s a great opportunity for you to move your body and meet some new people,” said Katie Ely-Wood, communications manager for MetroParks.
She said it’s a good way to get out, exercise, engage, talk with other people — and make new friends.
Running every Saturday morning through Feb. 1, these guided hikes will highlight Butler County’s winter beauty at a new park each week. All hikes run 10 a.m.- noon. All ages and skill levels are welcome. Cost is $10/person per hike, children under five years of age are free. Registration in advance is required at yourmetroparks.net.
“People tend to go to their favorite park, which is often the same park over and over, and this is a great way to get a guided experience through a park you may never have visited before, so you get a cool, insider perspective of a park, its trails, and you can learn more about the history,” Ely-Wood said.
Hikes will average about three miles and will end with a hot beverage and a bowl of soup, which are included with registration. Families are welcome to participate. Guides leading the hikes are interpretive naturalists, who will highlight the cultural and natural history of each park.
There are multiple benefits of being involved in a winter hiking program, including the social aspect, exercise, and mental well-being.
The mission of MetroParks of Butler County is to provide an exceptional park system that maximizes the community’s quality of life through conservation, education, and recreation.
UPCOMING HIKES
Saturday, Jan. 25: Forest Ridge MetroPark, Timberman Ridge Kestrel Shelterl 1976 Timberman Road. Hamilton
Feb. 1: Governor Bebb MetroPark, Howe Shelter, 1979 Bebb Park Lane, Okeana
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