WESTFIELD – Friends, families and supporters of the Columbia Greenway Rail Trail gathered Thursday, May 15 at Shaker Farms Country Club pavilion and trail head parking area to celebrate the continued progress of the Columbia Greenway, as well as to learn more about what is planned for the future.
Hosted by Friends of the Columbia Greenway Rail Trail, the Trail Mixer provided an opportunity for the public and neighbors of the Columbia Greenway Rail Trail to mix, mingle and meander — becoming familiar with the Trail project, while enjoying food and entertainment. The event included a scavenger hunt featuring educational components. Participants visited “check-points” along the trail where they conducted a bicycle safety check, learned rules of use, followed safe road crossing procedures (with assistance from the Westfield Police Department), and answered questions about future progress of the Trail. Upon completion of the scavenger hunt, an “official” Columbia Greenway license was presented.
Local artist, Paisley Rowland provided entertainment while guests visited vendor tables, which included: AFLAC/Christina Beeke, Canine Learning Center, Den 5/Pack 108, New England Bicycles, New Horizons Bikes, Safe Kids Western Massachusetts Chapter, and the YMCA of Greater Westfield. The event also featured raffle prizes with giveaways of a three-month family membership to the YMCA of Greater Westfield, bicycle helmets, and a child’s and adult’s bicycles, provided by New Horizons Bikes.
“This is always such a fun event,” Jeff LaValley, Chair of the Board of Directors for Friends of the Columbia Greenway Rail Trail, said. “In addition to meeting our supporters, neighbors get to meet neighbors; people participate in a fun and healthy activity, and they learn something new about the Trail – whether a safety precaution, or a historic fact.”
“We’ve been doing this event for the past few years. It has been rewarding to see the excitement and enthusiasm grow. It really is our way to keep the public informed, involved and interested in the Columbia Greenway while having a little fun along the way,” LaValley said.
