25-WORD DESCRIPTION:
Helps build and promote multi-use trails for transportation and recreation, encouraging healthy lifestyles while preserving the environment.
HOW WE USE YOUR CONTRIBUTIONS:
- $1 a week pays for one of our color-coded trail signs. ($52)
- $2.50 per month pays for 12 of our free color trails maps. ($30) $33 per month pays for one of the five new trails sign kiosks ($396) $19,000 per mile is the estimate to build a bike trail.
- $49,000 per mile is the estimate to build a bike lane.
- Any amount helps. Trails are very expensive to build and maintain!
A STORY FROM OUR AGENCY:
When COVID-19 hit and we were in a pandemic for over two years, people were mostly confined to their homes, and the trails became a new importance. When fitness centers, gymnasiums and malls closed, people took to the trails for relaxation, exercise and stress relief. Long time users of the trails saw an increase in children/parents riding bicycles, tricycles, parents pushing strollers, people walking dogs, runners, walkers and cyclists. The people used the trails more than they have in the past. Trails helped people maintain a healthy lifestyle during a time of separation from others, and it has continued long after the pandemic ended.
The Great Plains Trails Network (GPTN) is an important partner in the acquisition, development and promotion of the multi-use recreational trails in Lincoln and southeast Nebraska. GPTN participates in the purchase and acquisition of abandoned railway lines used for multi-use trails. The trails are used by the public for transportation, recreation and promotion of healthy lifestyles, all while preserving the environment.
The manager of a locally owned running shoe store teaches running classes for people of all ability levels. She has taught these classes for several years, using Lincoln’s trails to get people moving for a healthier lifestyle. She hosts special events on the trails with the Lincoln Track Club, teaches an annual marathon training class, and coaches Beginner’s Luck class tailored for people wanting to start or get back into running. Some of these people in the class are overweight and have never run before. Staying active by running/walking on the trails, people lost weight, improved their health, stay motivated, and many go on to train and run 10K's, half or full marathons. They wouldn’t have been able to achieve this without utilizing the trails we have!
ADDRESS/PHONE:
PO Box 829202
Lincoln, NE 68501-2902
402-429-5753
