MACON, Ga. — It's time to lace up those running shoes and head outdoors!
NewTown Macon and Bike Walk Macon are teaming up to host a day all about the city's trails and parks.
They will host a day to celebrate and support the Ocmulgee Heritage Trail called "Trails Day" this Saturday.
Trails Day highlights their 25-year effort to connect the parks and trails along the Ocmulgee River.
Their goal is to promote safe and easy access to walking trails and parks for everyone.
"Trails Day" is a day filled with tours starting with a bike tour at Amerson River Park, then trailing down to Linear Park for a hardhat tour of changes there.
There will also be a photo walk at Jackson Springs Park in East Macon and the day also includes a "Rose Hill After Dark" tour.
At Fall Line Brewing, they will unveil their 25-year master plan for the Ocmulgee River Trail as well as celebrate with the exclusive Trail Blazer beer, where proceeds will help fund trail improvements.
Rachel Umana is the executive director for Bike Walk Macon.
"Hopefully one day you'll be able to get from Milledgeville all the way up to Bass Road and north Macon," Umana said. "Our ultimate vision is just a very safe comfortable pathway that can connect us throughout the entire city."
After walking and talking with her, Umana mentioned the trails have a special historical significance.
"Our trail gives us an opportunity to connect to other neighborhoods and in the most affordable way which is biking and walking," Umana said. "It's important to have nice beautiful green recreational spaces but also have transportation connections as well."
Mac McConnell was born and raised in Macon and walks the Ocmulgee River Trail at least once a day.
"This is a very special area to me," McConnell said. "Macon is rich in history and I've been here my whole life and I've seen this develop from a child until now and I'm glad that they're wanting to bring it back."
McConnell says the growth of the trails means longer walks and getting to see the community enjoying nature.
"It's going to keep people in this area and keep them from going out looking for what we already have here," McConnell said, "Push back from the tablets and all the computers and stuff and get back outside."
For more information, you can visit their website at www.NewTownMacon.com.