As the weather warms, trails and paths in The Parklands are teeming with walkers, runners, cyclists, rollerbladers, and stroller-pushers. This is the kind of thing that gets us excited—signs that The Parklands is on its way to being well-used and well-loved, and that you are out getting exercise and exploring the parks.

But this is also a time to remind ourselves of the etiquette of shared trails. In order for everyone to enjoy our trails there are a few things to keep in mind:

1. Respect all trail restrictions and use only trails open to your mode of transportation (this is indicated on the trailhead signs and on map brochures).
2. Be considerate of others on the road or trail- remember trails are shared and meant for all to enjoy!
3. When traveling on shared-use trails, continually watch for other types of recreationists and be aware of those who may need to pass you.
4. Slow down when sight lines are limited and it may be difficult to see around the bend or hill in front of you.
5. Keep speeds low around other park users
6. Keep your ears and eyes open—be aware of others.
7. Keep pets under control and out of the paths of others, for their safety, yours, and your pets.  ALL Parklands trails require dogs to be leashed.
8. Verbally alert other trail users when you approach them.
9. If a soft trail is muddy (check your boots!), consider using a paved trail so as not to cause trail damage.
10. Stay on designated paths.  Don’t make shortcuts that may lead to volunteer trails or damaged natural areas.

Our goal is for all visitors to have a safe and enjoyable experience in The Parklands. Click here to view our park rules and safety recommendations. Search “Things to Do” on this site or stop in the PNC Achievement Center to determine the best trails based on your desired type of recreation.

Thank you for helping to make our parks great!

• (function(d, s, id) {
  var js, fjs = d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0];
  if (d.getElementById(id)) return;
  js = d.createElement(s); js.id = id;
  js.src = “//connect.facebook.net/en_US/all.js#xfbml=1&appId=289268557818459”;
  fjs.parentNode.insertBefore(js, fjs);
  }(document, ‘script’, ‘facebook-jssdk’));
• Tweet
  !function(d,s,id){var js,fjs=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0],p=/^http:/.test(d.location)?’http’:’https’;if(!d.getElementById(id)){js=d.createElement(s);js.id=id;js.src=p+’://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js’;fjs.parentNode.insertBefore(js,fjs);}}(document, ‘script’, ‘twitter-wjs’);

• (function() {
  var po = document.createElement(‘script’); po.type = ‘text/javascript’; po.async = true;
  po.src = ‘https://apis.google.com/js/plusone.js’;
  var s = document.getElementsByTagName(‘script’)[0]; s.parentNode.insertBefore(po, s);
  })();

About the Author

Ellen has been the Director of Development at 21st Century Parks since April of 2015. In this role she oversees fundraising functions for The Parklands, including the annual fund/membership campaign, corporate sponsorships, supporting the Board of Directors, leading major fundraising events, and seeking grant and foundational support. It’s her goal to create multiple compelling opportunities for donors to support The Parklands, a donor-supported public park that does not receive tax dollar support on an annual basis but has four world-class parks free and open to the public 365 days a year.

Although fairly new to this role, Ellen is intimately familiar with The Parklands as she spent the previous 3 years as the Communications Manager in charge of public relations, social media, community outreach and marketing for the parks. Before joining 21st Century Parks she spent three years with Louisville-based advertising agency Doe-Anderson. Her background also includes marketing and account service roles at Anheuser-Busch InBev, PriceWeber advertising agency, and direct mail marketing at Traffic Builders, Inc. Ellen is a graduate of Marietta College where she studied advertising, public relations and marketing and played volleyball. In her spare time she enjoys hiking, camping, and traveling with her two mutts and her husband Andrew.