Enhancing the trail system

From turkey trots to color runs, there are opportunities for runners and walkers to get out and do a 5K all year round.

In Creston, the Greater 8 and 5K is no exception, and it kicks off a huge lineup of July Fourth activities.

The 8-mile race begins at 7:30 a.m. on Saturday, June 28 with the 5K to follow at 8 a.m. Not only does the run/walk provide exercise for the athletes, it also serves as a fundraiser and exposure for the Union County trails system.

The race entry fees go entirely back into the Union County High Lakes Trails as the event sponsors cover the cost of the event itself. Since 2018, Greater Regional Health has been the title sponsor for the event.

Trail users can see evidence of the impact the funds have had as they utilize the pathways.

“The biggest thing was probably our first project — that made the biggest impact," Union County Development Association Director Mindy Stalker said. “We put up the three-tiered water fountains. We really led with an aggressive project.”

Some of the funding has been used for less obvious projects like filling in missing pieces of the trail to keep it functioning smoothly for its users.

“Our next project, it’s a big undertaking with a lot of pieces to it, but I’d really like to have metal sculptures that go along the trail,” Stalker said. “I’ll probably start with the 5K route because parks and recreation is very good to work with. The 5K route is all on parks and rec area.”

Though it won’t be the 5K route this year, due to construction at McKinley park, the normal 5K route winds through the city park trails. “It’s such a family-friendly route,” Stalker said.

Not only would the sculptures serve as public art, they would also act as mile-markers for the race.

“About three years ago, we decided that would be a great project,” Stalker explained. “I’d really like to work in just a general map, whether it’s a QR code on the base of it. Something that could be updated as the trails grow.”

Stalker hopes progress on the sculpture project could begin as early as this year.

Benefits

According to the National Association of Home Builders, trails are the most desired community amenity that homeowners seek when buying a home.

As a Creston transplant, Stalker saw this in practice when she moved to the area.

“When I moved here, one of the first things that I fell in love with about the community was the trails,” she said. “It’s something I have always used as a place to better myself or to work through anything I’m having challenges with.”

The Park-to-Park Trail features more than eight miles of paved walking/running/biking trails that extend through McKinley Park to the south edge of Green Valley State Park Campgrounds. It then connects to more than six miles of soft trail on the west side of Green Valley Lake.

“This type of trail or path is considered an amenity, something that increases the attractiveness and value of real estate or of a residential structure. Proximity to this type of trail is commonly used in real estate sales materials,” the UW Extension Office states.

As UCDA director, Stalker sees this impact firsthand.

“This is a huge attraction for both visitors, tourism and when someone’s deciding where to live,” she explained. “They want amenities like trails. We’ve been talking about trails for so long, but they are still very much a priority. It’s something families can do together and you can do solo.”

The trail system also brings in day visitors.

“It’s a draw for sure,” Green Valley Park Ranger Jason Hyde said. “Especially because it transitions to a soft trail so you get the best of both. You get kind of that mountain bike feel and the paved feel.”

For local families, the trails serve as a safe space to learn. “This is a place where a lot of people bring their kids to try to learn how to ride their bicycle,” Hyde said. “It’s flat; it’s wide and it’s a good spot for them to learn. They’re not on the busy streets trying to learn. It’s really popular for that.”

Not only do the trails provide economic benefits to a city, a study by the American Journal of Public Health shows a direct and significant correlation between how close people live to biking and walking infrastructure and the amount of weekly exercise they get.

“Motion is lotion — if you keep moving, you keep things loose,” Union County Public Health Coordinator Karla Hynes said. “Movement is medicine, and it’s free and easily accessible. Just like the medicine you take, regular physical activity helps prevent chronic conditions like heart disease, diabetes and depression. Mental health is a big concern. Having our trails here, it’s a great place to go to get that daily dose of medicine.”

Not only do communities with trail infrastructure see health improvements in their citizens, those health improvements translate into real medical savings.

A literature review by the American Heart Association found that for every $1 invested in building trails, there is a direct correlation to $3 of saved medical costs.

“Whether it’s walking, biking or I take my dogs out to McKinley all the time, every step supports physical and mental wellbeing,” Hynes said. “Trails turn physical activity into something that’s enjoyable, not just a chore, and it’s right here in our back yard.”

Though Union County’s projects have thus far been to enhance and maintain the quality of the existing trails, the idea of expansion is always there as well.

The Discover UC committee is working on a three-year countywide trail plan.

“We are reaching out to our smaller communities to see if they have interest in trail expansion,” Stalker said. “The Afton Development Corporation has been really active.”

Less than two weeks after the big race, the UCDA is hosting a public Countywide Trail Expansion and Discussion Workshop at 3 Mile Lodge in Afton. “Join us to discuss the possibility of expanding, connecting and promoting our trails in Union County,” the event description says. “We want as much feedback as possible from trail enthusiasts.”

The short meeting begins at 5 p.m., July 10 and is expected to only last one hour.

“Early on, I decided I wanted to make sure the trails were always here for folks and could grow,” Stalker said. “It’s always been a personal goal for myself, but I’m fortunate to have a job where it can be a priority as well.”

Race Info

The race began informally in 2013 with a gathering of trail enthusiasts running either the 3 mile or 6 mile option. The event was so well-received, it began the planning for the 2014 Creston Half Marathon and 5K.

The half marathon was shortened to an 8K in 2018 along with the addition of GRH as the title sponsor. This year, McDonalds will be a new sponsor — providing the cups for water.

The largest event boasted 180 participants. Typically, the event sees approximately 125 5K runner/walkers and 20 8-mile runners.

“This year looks like 8-mile registration is up; I hope that it grows,” Stalker said. “It’s a beautiful route. It’s challenging for sure, but it shows the best we have to offer.”

The 5K entry fee is $25 and the 8 mile is $35. For those who wish to participate and support from afar, there are registration options for a virtual 5K or 8 mile.

Those wishing to participate can register up until the start time on the day of at greater8.com under “Register.”

While Greater Regional and the other sponsors listed on the back of the race shirt provide the money needed to keep the event going, Stalker said they are even more impactful than that.

“This couldn’t happen without our local business support,” she said. “Greater Regional coming on as a title sponsor has helped beef up the event in what we can do in terms of packet pickup, but it’s also their volunteerism. For many years now, they’ve provided two water station volunteers and PT at the finish line for any challenges. We’re of course appreciative of the check, but we area also beyond thankful for their support.”

Sponsors include: Greater Regional Health, KSIB Radio, Iowa State Savings Bank, PCSB Bank, First National Bank, Hy-Vee, Creston News Advertiser, Stalker Chevrolet, American Family Insurance, Willets, Baird & Co, Hometown Insurance & Realty, Precision Optical, State Savings Bank, High Lake Leadership, UCDA, Dr. Michael Buck, Culligan, Green Accounting and The Trophy Shop.