Michelle Meade is hoping adventurous individuals will blaze a trail through south Winnipeg on June 2.

 

The south St. Vital resident is the president of Bishop Grandin Greenway Inc. — one of numerous organizations set to take part in International Trails Day this Saturday.

This year, the annual celebration will showcase a record nine multi-use trail events across the city for community members to explore.

Bishop Grandin Greenway’s Between 2 Rivers Festival! will take place from 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. and feature large tents — or "thematic areas" — set up between the Red and Seine Rivers.

Activities will include Nordic walking, tai chi, historical interpretations, aboriginal drummers and dream catchers, garden design, composting sessions and a Home Depot craft table for kids. Cyclists can also explore the bike loop, which includes the Bois des Esprits trail system near the Seine River, Meade said. 

Meade said part of the purpose of the greenway — a network of nature areas that include retention ponds and public pathways — is to try and enhance green space in four main categories: activity, education, environment and history.

"Now we have a tangible trail that goes down the greenway, it’s a great opportunity to get outside — whether you’re walking, biking, skating — and enjoy the green space," Meade said, comparing the greenway to an "outdoor classroom."

Meade said the upcoming event is one way to celebrate the city’s growing number of multi-use trails. 

"We can look at the trails as an opportunity to build communities. And rather than sitting watching TV, it’s also a way of going out and blowing off some steam, so it’s important to the health of communities and their interactivity."

Other south Winnipeg events will include Birdwatching along Henteleff Park Trails, Hike the Dike in St. Norbert and Explore the new Rapid Transit Corridor — from the slow lane! 

For the latter event, individuals are invited to join the Prairie Pathfinders Walking Club at 1 p.m. on a loop walk on the new Rapid Transit Active Transportation Pathway, which will include a jaunt across the newly-renovated Elm Park Bridge next to Bridge Drive Inn on Jubilee Avenue.

"Exploring a new piece of trail in Winnipeg with a fun group of walkers with time to socialize later is a good way to spend a few hours," said key organizer Leone Banks.

"Once walkers know the route they can use it again and again and take their friends, so the money spent on trails will not be in vain," added the Fort Garry resident.

Banks said registration numbers are limited, so potential participants should visit www.prairiepathfinders.mb.ca and click on the Meetup icon.

To learn more about BGG, visit www.bishopgrandingreenway.com. For event times, locations and downloadable maps, visit www.winnipegtrails.ca.

simon.fuller@canstarnews.com