Are You Ready to Take the Trail Challenge?

Today's Takeaway with Florine Mark

with Hilary Simmet, Marketing Specialist for the Huron-Clinton Metroparks in Michigan

When was the last time you visited your local park? If it’s been awhile, you may want to reacquaint yourself with all of the wonderful activities available at the park these days. For example, right here in Southeastern, Michigan we have so many beautifully developed and maintained parks. They offer something for everyone to enjoy such as running, hiking, and biking trails and several even have lakes where you can spend the day at the beach and rent a canoe or kayak. There’s no better time than summer to plan an adventure at your local park. Several parks even offer overnight camping so you could make it a summer vacation destination. Pack a picnic, toss a football and relax in the sun. Depending upon what your park offers, there might even be an opportunity to spend the day golfing, fishing, or playing on a waterslide with the kids. If you’re looking for fun outdoor activities or perhaps something new to try, you’ll want to listen to my interview with Hilary Simmet, Marketing Specialist for the Huron-Clinton Metroparks in Michigan. Hilary is here to tell us about all the wonderful activities available right now at the Metroparks.

What You’ll Hear in This Episode:

• What are some activities that you can do at the Metroparks?

• How much does it cost to rent a canoe or kayak for the day?

• How can someone sign up for the Trail Challenge?

• How many of the parks have golf courses?

• How did the Trail Challenge come about, and what can someone expect once they sign up?

• The amenities at the park, such as picnic shelters, picnic tables, barbecue grills and concession stands.

• What about the indoor spaces available to rent for a private event, such as a wedding?

• What are some of the most popular events that the park offers?

• How about some of the concerts and music events?

Today’s Takeaway:

Staying physically active and breathing in the fresh air outdoors is one of the best things we can do to maintain a healthy mind and body. We’re so very fortunate to have the most amazing parks where we can enjoy a variety of fun, healthy outdoor activities throughout the year. There’s so much to see and do and there truly is something for everyone to enjoy. Maybe you can rent boats, play golf, ride bikes and horses, or if you prefer to stay indoors, many parks have Nature Centers and museums to visit. At the Metroparks here in Michigan, you can plan an evening picnic and listen to live music under the stars with their free Summer Concert Series. So check online in your area to find out what’s available. Whatever it is that brings you a sense of enjoyment, your local parks are sure to provide it. Remember that every single day is a gift and the gift we get from spending time outdoors in nature with our loved ones is one of the most precious gifts of all! I’m Florine Mark and that’s “Today’s Takeaway.”

Quotes:

• “There's so much to do, especially now that it’s summer. We have a lot of aquatic facilities.” — Hilary [2:04]

• “By logging miles, we mean you can hike, bike, paddle, rollerblade, push a stroller, etc. However you’d like to take in your miles, you can do it at the metro parks.” — Hilary [4:42]

• “If you're looking for an event that is huge, has a lot of public participation, maybe it's a concert for kids or a concert for adults; maybe you want to do some dancing or put the kids in a bounce house and get them all tired before bedtime. We have an event for you this summer.” — Hilary [5:43]

• “It's always a great day at the Metro Parks. It doesn't matter the weather, you're always going to have a great day at the Metro Parks.” — Hilary [12:49]

Brought to You By:

Gardner White Furniture

Mentioned in This Episode:

Huron-Clinton Metroparks