Update of WSU Fitness Trail Begins with Volunteer Cleanup
OGDEN, Utah – Weber State’s fitness trail east of the university, originally called the Par Course, is getting an overhaul with support from Ogden City. On June 3, 4 and 5, campus community volunteers will remove the old exercise stations along the trail in preparation for an extensive, multi-year renovation of the course and Wildcat Trail System, which also includes the Discovery Loop.
“We’re very excited to be part of a community effort to revitalize the trail,” said Lisa Meerts, outdoor and community recreation education assistant professor. “We see this fitness course as being a valuable community resource and can’t wait to rebuild it so people can safely recreate outside on it.”
To support the effort, Ogden City provided crews and equipment for heavy debris removal so volunteers could get in and work efficiently.
“We feel it is important to support trail work on the Weber State property as it serves citizens of Ogden and plays a vital role in making connections with many of the great trails along the Ogden bench including the Bonneville Shoreline Trail,” said Monte Stewart, Ogden City Parks manager. “The Ogden Trails Network and Weber State University have historically worked together to increase seamless connectivity through this important corridor which serves both students and residents alike.”
The popular 1-mile trail was created in 1977 at a cost of $50,000 and consisted of 18 exercise stations. When completed the renovated course will have new equipment and will better serve community members of all ages and fitness levels.
The Center for Community Engaged Learning is hosting the Day of Service cleanup project at the course. Volunteers who participate will receive a $10 Weber Dining voucher and other Weber State gear. Cleanup runs in various shifts from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. each day. Volunteers can sign up at tinyurl.com/DiscoveryLoop or go directly to the course, which is in the foothills east of the university between 3750-3998 Skyline Dr., Ogden. Volunteers should wear appropriate closed-toed shoes and work gloves. Tools will be provided.
This summer, community members can continue to enjoy the university’s trail system by joining guided educational hikes. The hikes will be offered along Discovery Loop, a science-based interpretive trail. Each hike will start at the Skyline Trail Head and last for about 90 minutes. All hikes are free and will be family friendly. The hikes will focus on various science topics:
- June 12, 10 a.m. Mini Monsters: The Story of Things Lurking on the Trail
- July 16, 5 p.m. Don’t Touch Lava: You are Actually a Lava Monster and Why Water is Important
- August 14, 10 a.m. Back to the Roots: The Tips of a Plant’s Roots are Like a Brain
The trail renovation is part of a collaborative effort with the departments of exercise and sports science, outdoor and community recreation education, teacher education, earth and environmental science, computer science and construction management. In addition to helping the community, the trail project will provide high-impact educational experiences to an estimated 150 students across 15 classes and include in at least three WSU colleges.
For photos, visit this link.
Visit weber.edu/wsutoday for more news about Weber State University.
Allison Barlow Hess, Public Relations director
801-626-7948 • ahess@weber.edu- Contact:
Lisa Meerts, outdoor and community recreation education assistant professor
801-626-6623 • lmeerts@weber.eduAmanda Gentry, College of Science outreach coordinator
801-626-6259 • amandagentry@weber.edu