The ribbon cutting for the new TRACK trail beside Latta Elementary School at 300 Viking Drive, Latta, was held on Thursday morning.
The Viking Greenway was recently designated as a Kids in Parks TRACK Trail.
Several children, Superintendent Stephanie Ard, Amanda Morrell, and a representative from Kids in Parks were all present to cut the ribbon.
Morrell called this an “amazing asset.” The Viking Greenway TRACK trail joins a network of 368 across the country with the mission of getting kids outside. “Each TRACK Trail location is family-friendly and features a series of self-guided activities to turn visits into fun and exciting outdoor experiences,” according to a press release. The brochures at the sign make this a more engaging activity and kids can win free prizes by mail for tracking adventures at kidsinparks.com, which adds to the appeal.
“The Viking Greenway, which opened in 2018, was developed with creative funding and strong community support. Its first three phases included trail surfacing, a boardwalk/overlook, and finally trail amenities. Since 2015, local landscape architect Amanda Morrell helped the District secure three Recreational Trails Program grants from the South Carolina Department of Parks, Recreation, and Tourism, each totaling $100,000 with a $25,000 match. The Viking Greenway and adjoining Legacy Tree Trail were completed thanks to contributions from the Latta Schools Educational Foundation, District staff, students, civic groups, Eagle scouts, and local contractors,” according to a press release about the event.
“Kids in Parks began on the Blue Ridge Parkway, developed by the Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation in partnership with the National Park Service and the Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina Foundation. As the program demonstrated easy implementation and effectiveness in getting children outdoors, Kids in Parks has rapidly expanded to other parks and public lands across the country”
PHOTO GALLERY
Photos by Betsy Finklea/The Dillon County News, LLC
