Inspiring and engaging kids, making them want to get out and hike. That’s the goal of a new recreational opportunity in Greenville. It is also the result of a partnership that reaches across the state, all the way to the mountains. 

The City of Greenville and the Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation have teamed up to create a TRACK Trail at River Park North. A TRACK Trail is a program of activities and rewards designed to engage young hikers and get them out enjoying trails across the state. 

“We are very excited about this,” said Parks Program Assistant Mark Tysinger. “This is one of just a handful of trails of this kind east of Interstate 95; the majority of these trails are in the Piedmont and mountains of North Carolina. The TRACK Trails program is a great way to give kids fun activities and information that motivates them to keep hiking. While River Park North now has one of these trails, the fun carries over to the other trails across the state where kids can earn prizes.”

Activities along the trails may be similar at the various trails, but they are customized to each location. Visitors to River Park North and the TRACK Trail in Boone may have the same activity like “Animal Athletes,” but the content and animals would be completely unique to the specific trail and habitat. Kids between the ages of 5 and 12 can register online and earn rewards and prizes for the different hikes they complete at the trails across the state and in other states which participate in the program.

“River Park North has been a staple in eastern North Carolina for more than 30 years and we are always trying to find ways to not only promote a love of the outdoors, but also to educate about the environment,” said Tysinger. “We believe this program can help us do both as well as inspire kids to be more active. The trail will be a great way for them to do that, as well as for people of all ages.”

TRACK Trails is a program of the Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation. Its website, kidsinparks.com, also provides resources for kids, teachers, and parents. It also has tips for hike leaders to help ensure a successful hike and to ensure younger hikers have a positive experience on trails.

Located at 1000 Mumford Road in Greenville, NC, River Park North is the region’s premiere nature park with more than 324 acres of hiking, boating, fishing, camping, and natural areas. It is also home to the Walter L. Stasavich Science and Nature Center which boasts a 70-seat theater, 10,000 gallon aquarium, live turtles and snakes, and other exhibits. For more information, call 252.329.4560.

### COG ###