Members of the Athens community and surrounding areas are invited to attend the dedication ceremony of the Firefly Trail next week. The Athens-Clarke County Leisure Services Department is dedicating the first portion of the trail being built.
Mark Ralston is president of Firefly Trail incorporated.
“People have been talking about the Firefly Trail since the early 2000’s and so it’s fantastic to see actual pavement and bridges on the ground and spanning the river.” Ralston said.
Leisure Services is opening the new portion for all others.
“It’s a common misconception that multi-purpose trails are bike trails, but really trails like the Firefly Trail are for any kind of non-motorized use. So runners, walkers, people on bicycles, people in wheelchairs, moms pushing strollers, everybody who is walking or riding is welcome.”
Ralston says new research shows Americans need these type of amenities now more than ever.
“A new study came out from the CDC today saying that more than 40% of American adults are now obese. So we need to get more exercise and trails like the Firefly that are level and off-road make that much more attractive and much easier for people.”
The ceremony is Friday, October 20th at 3:30
