Spectrum Health Pennock Foundation has awarded a $20,000 grant to the Thornapple Trail Association to continue the expansion of the Paul Henry Thornapple Trail.
“It is important to the board that we support initiatives that improve the health of the communities served by Pennock Hospital,” said foundation Executive Director Janine Dalman. “Obesity reduction is one area that was highlighted in the 2013 Community Health Needs Assessment and a priority for our hospital. Another finding from the assessment was that residents of the county do not have enough access to areas they can bike and walk.
“The extension of the Paul Henry Thornapple Trail is one way the foundation can help Pennock follow its mission and the residents of Barry County be healthy.”
A ribbon cutting ceremony for the new section of the trail from downtown Middleville to Crane Road is Aug. 20 at 10 a.m. at the new trail head on Railroad Street across from Thornapple Township Emergency Services.//
The priority of the non-motorized path is to bring the community outside, enjoying nature, being proactive in remaining physically fit as they age, while providing recreation for the entire community.
Families are invited to ride or walk on the trail, looking at nature or birding safely away from motorized traffic. In June, the Nashville section of the trail opened with a ribbon cutting at VFW Post 8260. The trail is sustained by volunteers from the association and on the Day of Caring every September, volunteers remove invasive plants from the trail. The association meets at 7 p.m. the first Monday of every month at the Middleville Village Hall, 100 East Main Street.
Association members are committed to the completion of the trail from Grand Rapids to Jackson. With the completion, the continuing priority will be to “B. Healthy” and help lower the overall obesity rate in Barry County.
“Walking is an easy, inexpensive way to help lower your risk of heart disease and stroke, reduce the effects of stress and lose weight,” the “B.Healthy” website said. “For every hour you walk, you gain two hours in life expectancy.”
For more, visit the association’s website, thornappletrail.com.
