YMCA-ECRN+ Happy Hikers Club (2022 Kick Off)

6833 Richardson Road,Groveport OH 43125

03 April, 2022

Description

YMCA-ECRN+ 2022 Happy Hikers Club Kick-Off! Happy Hikers Club (HHC) at Walnut Woods Metro Park (Tall Pines Area- Sweetgum Trail) Our monthly hiking club is a unique opportunity to foster your relationship with your child, family, and the community through nature. You will participate in positive physical activity and outdoor education while building supportive relationships with other local families and individuals of ALL AGES & ABILITIES! APRIL HIKE DETAILS:- We’ll hike 1-mile on the Sweetgum Trail at Walnut Woods Tall Pines area to listen and look for frogs in the vernal pools. Location and Driving Directions: Walnut Woods Metro Park (Tall Pines area 6833 Richardson Road, Groveport) Meet Up Point: Bulletin Board Driving directions or specific instructions for finding the location: There are two entrances to the park. Use the one on Richardson Road. Rain or Shine?: Yes Recommended items to bring, things to wear, etc: Dress for the weather. May want boots to wade along the edge of the wetland to look for tadpoles and frogs. Is this program wheelchair/stroller friendly?: Yes Does this program have ready access to running water? No Is this program in the sun, shade, or other outdoor elements we should make families aware of?: There is not running water at the area, but there is a port-o-let. What is the length of the hike? : 1-mile round trip What type of path is the hike on? (gravel, dirt, rocks, etc): mostly paved, but one section is crushed gravel; it is a very flat easy trail QUESTIONS? ECRN+ Family Support » Name: Cassie Kranz or Amanda Kirby» Email: [email protected] » Phone: 614.300.7867 Metro Parks Staff» Jill Synder- Metro Parks Naturalist» Email: [email protected] New to Happy Hikers Club? WELCOME! Learn more... "What is Happy Hikers Club (HHC)?" Established in Spring 2017, HHC is a monthly social and recreational hiking adventure held at various Metro Parks across Central Ohio. Each month, our incredible Metro Parks Naturalist will lead us on a short walk or roll through the park to explore the beauty of the world around us! Families can build their circles of support and connect with one another through nature, in a friendly, safe, and welcoming environment. As we explore, Metro Parks and ECRN+ staff and volunteers will ensure the pack stays together and is having fun along the way.  "Why did you create a club like this?" ECRN+ Family Support Team and Metro Parks both believe that ALL children and individuals, regardless of ability or diagnosis, should have welcoming access to the outdoors in order to play, build lasting friendships, participate in positive activity, and experience the sensory wonders of nature. We believe that every individual should have the opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive in their community. As a cause-driven organization, the Y (ECRN+) has a unique opportunity and responsibility to work toward full inclusion of people of all abilities. We are delighted to continue our partnership with the Metro Parks and proud to intentionally serve children and youth of all abilities at our events. Happy Hikers Club is another hopeful seed we're planting as we strive to cultivate generations of diversity, acceptance, healthy living, and love for ALL. "Who is invited to the club?" Everyone! That's what makes our hiking club so fun! Each month's hike is open to children, youth, and young adults of all abilities alongside their family and friends. No matter your development, age, ability, fitness level, gender, culture, or whatever it may be that makes you amazing... YOU are welcome at HHC.