I answer alot of questions about Red Mountain Park almost every day which is fine with me because I love telling people about the park. In my email today, I received a very good question about the park from an avid hiker named Andrew. Andrew’s question was basically this: Why pave trails instead of keeping the park’s paths more natural?
Andrew’s question inspired my blog today because it brings up some of the goals I have for the park. Hikers who want to enjoy natural paths will find many miles of trails that connect interesting features across the mountain, but the goal is to also include a few other user groups. Families with children, recreational cyclists, people using wheel chairs and other medical mobility devices, moms with strollers, and skaters will find a paved trail system that they can use that will connect sites along the old rail beds and in the common areas.
Alabama, specifically Birmingham, is ranked high among the places with the greatest threats from heart disease, obesity and diabetes. We want to create great places for hikers as well as healthy citizens and for people who are at risk from these afflictions. If we are able to offer a welcoming, well-maintained paved trail system for these groups so they will be able to walk and exercise while feeling safe and cared for then we will serve everyone, not just a few select groups. It’s a big place so I think it’s doable. Thanks for a great question, Andrew.
If you have a question, do give me a call or send me an email. Maybe your question will end up inspiring my next entry…
