‘Hiking Your Way to Fitness and Fun’: American Fork, Timp Cave team up for fitness program
Timpanogos Cave and American Fork are teaming up for a unique fitness program. Timpanogos Cave National Monument is one of 22 national parks chosen for a 2013 Active Trails grant from the National Park Foundation. The grants are funded by private donations.
The new program at the cave is being called “Hiking Your Way to Fitness and Fun.” Participants will get a water bottle, lanyard safety tag, healthy snacks and the chance to meet with a personal trainer and a park ranger. Participants will then be encouraged to record their progress at the visitor center or in exercise journals throughout the summer.
In September, awards will be given to people with the most miles hiked or time spent exercising.
“Many park neighbors already hike the cave trail regularly as part of a fitness program, and this grant — made possible through private donations — allows us to reach out to more people and help them realize that hiking our trails can be a fun and safe way to get outside and get in shape,” Superintendent Jim Ireland said in a news release. “Whether hiking the trails, picnicking at Swinging Bridge or simply enjoying time along the river, there is more to the Monument than just a tour through the caves.”
A kick off event will be held at the Timpanogos Cave National Monument Visitor Center on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. The public is invited.
Since 2008, the National Park Foundation has granted nearly $1.7 million through its Active Trails program. To date, Active Trails has engaged more than 4,700 volunteers and 131 project partners who combined have contributed more than 21,000 hours to help promote, refurbish or build national park trails that were ultimately enjoyed by 304,000 visitors.
“Through the Active Trails program, we are able to help national parks across the country in their efforts to maintain and enhance the 17,000 miles of land and water trails that we currently have,” said Neil Mulholland, president of the National Park Foundation, in a statement. “These grants also help national parks create new trails and encourage healthy lifestyles by offering opportunities for the public to be active in their national parks.”