By Bess Lee, PAL board member

On one of our first visits, prior to moving to Spartanburg, I noticed the trail adjacent to Pine Street.   I was thrilled to learn of the Rail Trail’s existence as we had an infant son and I was looking for a safe place to walk him in the stroller (and get some exercise!).  Now he is four years old and not a big fan of the stroller but he remains a fan of the trail!  We head out on the trail and he will agree to ride a portion in the stroller.  At a certain mile marker, I agree to let him out and we walk/run together.  We sometimes stop at Little River for a coffee (for me and a water for him).  He was gifted a bicycle on his birthday and so I look forward to walking or running alongside him as he rides.  And I look forward to the plan for the rail trail extension and the park!  Studies show that to make an effective change to a more active lifestyle and healthful eating, we must have access to and be in a community where this is possible.  I am thankful to all that are involved in making Spartanburg City and Spartanburg County a place where this is possible.