Trailblazer Trail Challenge aims to get walkers on the trails this summer

Springfield and the surrounding area play host to dozens of miles of walking, hiking and biking trails. Odds are, few, if any, residents have experienced them all. Some may not even be aware that some trails exist.

Ozark Greenways aims to change that with the Trailblazer Trail Challenge.

Now in its third year, this challenge tasks trail enthusiasts with seeking out 15 signs, one temporarily nestled away on each major trail in the extensive Ozark Greenways trail network. Upon finding a sign, participants are encouraged to snap a selfie with it and post their photos on social media. Those who manage to find 10 of the 15 signs and fill out a quick form have a chance at winning big prizes.

What began as a fun, safe means to get Springfieldians outside during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2021 quickly grew into something much more.

“The first two years that we did it,” says Mary Kromrey, executive director for Ozark Greenways, “the pictures were just so great to see on social media — folks outdoors smiling, just enjoying being in nature.”

In addition to being fun, the social media aspect of the challenge plays a large role in increasing awareness of the trails, as well as just how accessible they are for people of all sorts.

“Social media can be a powerful tool,” Kromrey said. “It’s really organic, natural and easy. When somebody posts a photo, they tag us and they’re with that sign, their friends and family are going to see it. That makes it seem more doable, if you see a friend or family member doing something. There’s been some really great dialogue on some of the photos, like ‘Oh, that’s my favorite trail’ or ‘Did you see the mural at Fulbright Spring?’ That can be a really powerful tool to help connect folks, one, to our beautiful outdoors, two, to the amenities that our community offers.”

If residents do not use social media or simply prefer to retain their privacy, there are other options for completing the challenge available.

“We have a participant log,” says Kromrey. “If they don’t want to post their photos, they can still demonstrate that they participated in a more private way. We want to be respectful.”

Old trails become new again

The challenge has proven beneficial in another way: introducing residents to new trails they may have been unaware of in the past. Many of the trails contain interesting sights along their pathways that can’t be seen or accessed anywhere else in Springfield or the surrounding area. This became abundantly clear to Ozark Greenways staffers when they began receiving emails or comments from challenge participants.

“The majority of the comments started out, ‘I had no idea [insert blank trail] was here. I had no idea you had so many trails. I had no idea that you had art along your trail. This is so much fun,’” says Kromrey. “I think it’s a way for us to educate about our regional trail system and provide a fun way to encourage folks to get out there, whether they want to go out there on a solo trip or with friends and family. It seems to be well received, and we hope that participation will continue to grow.”

This year marks the highest number of trails the challenge has ever offered, providing participants with more options than ever — as well as giving some love and attention to some of the newer, smaller trails in the network, such as the Shuyler Creek Greenway, a ¾-mile trail that snakes through a pleasant Republic neighborhood.

Don’t fret if you think you need to walk the entirety of a six-plus mile trail to — hopefully — find a sign somewhere along the way. Ozark Greenways aims to make the sign locations easily accessible for participants without wearing themselves out. Signs are typically near the parking area where a trail begins, known as a trailhead.

“The first year, some of them were kind of hidden,” Kromrey admits. “Some of them, I think, we just made too hard. We needed to make this as friendly as possible. We were sure to put all the signs within walking distance from a public parking area trailhead, just to help alleviate some of those concerns. We tried to gear it toward first timers.”

Filling gaps to connect trail system

Of course, while there’s certainly plenty that the Ozark Greenways Trails offer currently, Kromrey and her crew are always working feverishly behind the scenes to continue building up the trail network. Some challenge participants may notice that several of the trails are divided up into various sections instead of being one long, continuous path. Ultimately, it’s the goal of Ozark Greenways to procure the land and funds needed to “fill the gaps” and create an extensive network of connecting trails throughout the area. The community’s support can help their efforts along, and the Trailblazer Challenge can help them see the potential for the trail system’s future growth.

“It may not even occur to them that (a trail they’re on) is part of a much larger trail or planned trail,” Kromrey said. “We hope folks will get out there, use it, and imagine the possibility of the day when these trails connect and we don’t have those pesky gaps anymore, how much more fun and user friendly our regional trail system will be. Exposing folks to the trails is our main goal, and then getting them jazzed to think ‘What if this trail did connect? That’d make it so (much) easier. I’d be able to see this, or I wouldn’t have to rely on my car so much.’”

Having to potentially cross a road or even drive from one trail to another can be inconvenient or dangerous. A fully connected trail system alleviates that.

“It’s more comfortable for folks,” Kromrey said. “If you’re in a small group or have kiddos who are a bit more unsteady on their bicycle, trails provide that space where, yes, you’re having to share the trail with walkers and baby buggies and dogs on leashes, but it’s different than a couple-ton vehicle.”

While challenges can be rewarding in their own right, recognition and the chance to win prizes doesn’t hurt. All participants who complete the challenge by September 30 will receive a trailblazer certificate and Ozark Greenways swag, as well as be entered into a raffle for bigger prizes.

“Head outside and participate,” Kromrey urges. “We look forward to seeing all the smiling faces populating our social media.”

The Trailblazer Trail Challenge continues through Sept. 30. The announcement of trailblazer awardees and prize drawings will take place during the week of Oct. 2.