- Promoting physical activity as part of an active lifestyle
- Developing fundamental motor skills necessary for participating in individual and team sports
- Increasing physical independence and/or mobility
- Enhancing self-esteem and self-image
- Establishing friendships with peers of all abilities
| New bridge connects park trails |
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Two young boys watched as a large crane gently swung the 62,000 pound, 8-foot wide and 125-foot long bridge across the Chippewa River on Monday.
Upland and wetland loops of the Access Adventure Trail in Chipp-A-Waters Park will be connected by the new metal bridge. "It was cool," said Inosencio. The boys were accompanied by Inosencio's "adopted grandfather," Steven Johnson, who wanted to make sure, even though the boys did not have school, that they had an opportunity to learn and have fun outdoors. "I'm going across the bridge in the spring," said Buckner. The Mt. Pleasant Area Community Foundation received a $419,000 grant from the W.K. Kellogg Foundation for the trail, and partnered with the city of Mt. Pleasant's Parks and Recreation Department on the project. The city provided a $200,000 local match required for construction of the trail, and the MPACF has created a permanent endowment fund for future projects such as this one. "This trail is part of a larger effort," said Amanda Schafer, the new executive director of the foundation. "We have to raise $120,000 by March to meet the match grant." Contributions can be made on the foundation's Web site at www.mpacf.org or through the mail. "We would like to emphasize that even small donations are encouraged," said Mary Ellen Brandell, chair of the Access to Recreation advisory committee. "We want the entire community to feel like they are a part of this project. "No donation is too small, and we are planning to list the names of the donors." More than 15 people waited for the big moment of placing the bridge, scheduled between 10:30 a.m. and 11 a.m. City Commissioner Kathleen Ling said that the last time she was in Chipp-A-Waters Park was last summer. "This is a unique trail," Ling said. "I think one of the real assets to the community is the park system and the (Gregory K. Baderschneider River Walk (Trail)," said Ling. "An access trail made available to all adds to the uniqueness of Mt. Pleasant." Bill Brickner, engineer tech for the city, said that besides the delay for equipment getting stuck, the project went as scheduled. "It took 15 minutes to swing it out and set it down," said Brickner. "That's construction." Grand opening of the trail is scheduled for Memorial Day weekend.
By Patricia Ecker / Morning Sun |
Seven-year-old T.J. Inosencio and his best friend, Logan Buckner, 8, spent hours out in the
snow playing as they waited for the bridge to be lifted.