The warm weather is here and that means one thing to me … people will come out of hibernation to get out on the GHS Swamp Rabbit Trail. In fact, this Friday night close to 5,000 of them will be participating in the annual GHS Swamp Rabbit 5K. More about this later.
I’ve posted about the trail in the past (http://tinyurl.com/7bcbqt6) – about how proud I am of GHS being the title sponsor, how the trail is an example of us improving the health of the communities we serve, and also contributing to economic development of the area.
A recent study, which was a collaborative effort between Greenville County Recreation District (GCRD), Upstate Forever, and Furman University’s Dr. Julian Reed, provides data supporting these ideas. A few key findings from the study:
- 350,000 users a year on Swamp Rabbit Trail!
- Eighty percent of those users are bicyclists!
- The trail provides transportation benefits, encourages economic development, increases quality of life, and improves the environment!
- Economic impact of the trail was found to be dramatic!
Wow! How awesome! (To learn more impressive findings, CLICK HERE.) I was so excited to read this article. We all know how it feels to have our expectations met. In this case, the benefits of the trail have exceeded my personal and professional goals. The trail is and will continue to be a community asset.
If you’re local and haven’t been on the trail, come try it out Friday night during the GHS Swamp Rabbit 5K. You can still register in person Thursday at the Greenville Hilton from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. or at Gateway Park in Travelers Rest Friday starting at 11:00 a.m. Cash and check accepted. The fee is just $11 and you’ll still get a T-shirt!
You can walk, run, push strollers … sorry, no bikes or pets. Even if you’re not local, Greenville is a great place to visit. The trail is the icing on the cake, and so much more.
As the saying goes … “Happy trails to you!”
