We are so lucky to have a park system like the Huron-Clinton Metroparks in southeast Michigan. Ever since I was a little kid, I have been going to Lake St. Clair Metropark (we always called it Metro Beach) with other neighborhood friends and families. I remember peddling around a little track, playing on swings, and of course swimming in Lake St. Clair. As I got older and got a car, many days were spent at Metro Beach with friends (and sometimes girlfriends) just walking around all of the trails, playing volleyball, or just talking about things only young people could care about in the 1990’s. Sometimes we would bike or Rollerblade from as far away as Schoenherr road along Metro Parkway, and then regret having to also go back!

I moved away for a while as adulthood forced its way into my life like it does. I was able to explore Stoney Creek a little bit since I lived nearby, but didn’t even really think about any other Metroparks existing at this point in my life. Golfing at Stoney Creek is still an annual tradition with a pal or two, and that park really is fantastic in its own right – but it just never had the memories that Metro Beach did for me.

Many, (many!) years later, my loving bride told me about the Metroparks Trail Challenge that she head about while out photographing wildlife at Wolcott Mill, and how her and a friend were going to sign up for it the following year. She discovered that there were 13(!) parks within 50 miles of home, and that they were going to explore them all! I came along for a few and instantly fell in love with the idea of visiting all of these parks every year – even if it is just something to do in the Spring/Summer/Fall every few weekends. I joined with my own sign-up the following year, and we added our dog to the MetroBARK challenge as soon as it came available (She is the mighty tri-pod Phoebe you might see in this years marketing materials).

This is now an annual event that we look forward to every year. We were busy this year so we still have 5 parks to go, plus the new Warter Garden downtown to explore. Phoebe instantly recognizes “MetroBARK” and gets excited to get in the car and head into the wilderness. We think her favorite is Wolcott Mill because she can always sneak into the river, but in reality her favorite is whatever park we are going to next.

I have noticed that my general demeanor improves after visiting any Metropark. I have battled some mild depression over the years, and walking a trail and being grounded in some nature every few weeks REALLY helps me. I can say that this challenge has led us to do more outdoor activities, including visiting and camping in State parks and recreation areas. The Metropark Trail Challenge changed my life for the better. -Ron