By the time we made it home Sunday my daughter pointed out that she was in and out of the car seven times.
It may have actually been eight.
My wife works for the Alzheimer Society of Brant, which is linked to the same organizations in Norfolk County and the Hamilton area.
On Sunday, a new set of connected trails (walking / cycling) were officially opened and the Alzheimer Society was part of the promotion as a fundraiser.
We attended with bicycles -- my daughter's with training wheels; my son on a trike.
We made stops in Simcoe, Waterford and again just north of Waterford at the Norfolk-Brant county line (Jenkins Road) to visit this trail system.
As chair of the Woodstock Recreation Advisory Committee, I was able to do double duty as I received a close look at a new trail system (Formally now open) on a previous railway line and also looked closely at the Lions Park fastball (softball) complex (three diamonds) in Simcoe, which was built in 1993, but recently improved.
Here's the story from The Simcoe Reformer about this new link of trails.
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Marriage between Norfolk and Brant
Sarah Doktor, Simcoe Reformer
WATERFORD - On Sunday, Norfolk and Brant counties became more closely connected thanks to the joining of their two trail systems.
Norfolk County Mayor Dennis Travale and Brant County Mayor Ron Eddy met at Jenkins Road where the two trail systems now connect, to exchange a handshake and mark the completion of the project.
The trails now run from Brantford, through Brant County — including Mt. Pleasant and Scotland — south to Waterford, Simcoe and Port Dover.
The project has been in progress for several years after both Norfolk County and the Brant Waterways Foundation received funding to extend and repair their respective trail systems.
The Brant trails feature 12 kilometres of asphalt that provide “the missing link,” between Brantford and Norfolk, said Mary Welsh of the Brant Waterways Foundation.
“We’re really excited and gratified that we’re seeing rollerbladers, baby buggies and skateboards,” said Welsh of the paved trails. “So, it expands the usage.”
While Norfolk’s trails are not paved yet, Travale said they would be in the future.
The gravel hasn’t stopped residents and tourists from utilizing the paths.
“We’re already seeing the spin-off benefits,” said Mark Boerkamp, trail development and business marketing coordinator with Norfolk County. The local economy receives a boost as people using the trails stop for refreshments or accommodations in the neighbouring towns.
Norfolk County and the Waterford Heritage Trail committee also celebrated the grand opening of the Black Bridge in Waterford following the handshake of the mayors, which also concluded the Rail Trail Bike N Hike that was ongoing throughout the day on the trails from Mt. Pleasant to Port Dover. The Alzheimer Society of Haldimand, Norfolk and Brant benefited from the Bike N Hike.
Participants could ride their bicycle or hike for as long as they wanted without registration. However, there were several check points situated along the trails where participants could buy wristbands as well as snacks and refreshments.
“It’s really about raising awareness,” said Mary Burnett, CEO of the Alzheimer Society of Haldimand, Norfolk and Brant.
The Alzheimer Society planned the event in conjunction with the two counties to celebrate the completion of the trails, as well as the benefits residents can get from using them.
“Exercise is so important to keeping your brain healthy,” said Burnett.
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