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By NATHAN HOWELL | Special to the Reporter

PELHAM – Pelham Parks and Recreation invited residents to come out to an event called “Chalk the Park” on Thursday, July 16, to help promote the new walking trail at Pelham City Park, which is part of the new Pelham Greenway Trail system.

The event started at 8:30 a.m. and lasted until 10:30 at the new walking trail behind the outdoor volleyball courts and was free to attend for all ages.

“With our new trail opening it just seemed like a great idea to give our community an opportunity to come outside, be able to do it in a safe manner keeping everybody spread out,” said Parks and Rec Assistant Director Alicia Walters. “We can have the trail decorated beautifully in colorful and positive pictures while still maintaining social distancing.”

Walters explained that the goal of the event was to get people out of their homes for recreation and fresh air. It also gave parents and their children an opportunity to see the walking track which recently opened, and put their own personal touch on it with their drawn chalk design.

Children were given three pieces of chalk and bubbles, while supplies lasted, to decorate the walking track. Walters said that those interested in coming were asked to think of creative ideas or quotes that they would like to draw or write out

There was enough room on the track to promote social distancing at the event and guests were asked to wear masks if possible, while also having a great day outdoors at the new track.

“With this event we would like to encourage people to enjoy other parts of our park while they are here,” Walters explained. “We really just want to tell people that we appreciate them, we’re thinking about them, and we enjoy serving and providing recreation for the community.”

For more information about this and other events you can visit Pelham Parks and Recreation on Facebook or through their website at Pelhamalrecreation.gov.