Lebanon
The first Rail Trail Stroll will take place from 9:30-10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, beginning at the Northern Rail Trail entrance on Spencer Street in Lebanon. The stroll is for families with babies and toddlers, so strollers, backpacks or walking little ones are encouraged, said Krissy Flythe, the recreation coordinator who is organizing the stroll, which also will take place on May 8, 15 and 29.
“One goal of mine is to make this a fun, easy way to have folks come out and move,” Flythe said. “A way to meet new families, or meet up with friends, and provide an outdoor element for the kids.”
Flythe was inspired to organize a family-friendly stroll after leading a rail trail hike in the fall.
“This past fall there were a few times we passed small groups of folks with kids or strollers, and I thought ‘how nice would it be if everyone met and walked together?’ ” she said. “I also thought back when I had my first kiddo as a new mom. It would have been a nice opportunity that’s easy to meet other parents with kids and similar interest in getting outside and being active.”
The stroll is meant for families with kids 4 and under. It will be informal, with the group meeting at 9:30 a.m. and walking for half an hour before turning around.
“I find that it isn’t always about how far, but just getting out and moving makes the difference,” Flythe said. “I encourage the group to stay within sight of one another and folks (to) naturally pair up or maybe their little ones will help with the pace.”
She said that the time outside isn’t just good for kids, but for caregivers as well.
“The hope is this will give not just the babies and toddlers time out but also the parents, grandparents (and) caretakers some time to also come out and breathe, to enjoy being outside and moving,” Flythe said.