Spring is Here in Allen County!
Hooray, spring has sprung! April has finally arrived and brings with it the promise of warmer weather and longer days. It’s also the time to wake up from our winter hibernation and get moving outside. As the temperatures continue to rise, folks will be breaking out their bikes, rollerblades, scooters and walking shoes. There isn’t a better time to catch a case of spring fever. Throughout Lima and Allen County there are more opportunities for healthy-active living than ever before. We have seen infrastructure improvements such as additional bike paths, bike lanes and hiking paths that add to the existing amenities available right here in Allen County. There is no better time to discover, or rediscover, what is available right here is in our own backyards.
Bluffton boasts Allen County’s newest walking and biking pathway – The Lions Way-Augsburger Road Pedestrian and Bike Path Project which connects Elm Street to the Riverbend residential housing development and Maple Crest Retirement Community. In Lima, the Rotary Riverwalk/Ottawa River Bikeway is an Allen County attraction that should not be missed. Whether entering the bikeway at Heritage Park, the Lima Family YMCA or Ottawa Metro Park, it’s a great way to enjoy a ride, walk or jog in Allen County while connecting with nature. The Johnny Appleseed Metro Park system offers parks and options for all types of healthy activity seekers. Spring is also a great time to play disc golf at Ottawa Metro Park, take a hike at Deep Cut Park along the Miami-Erie Canal, walk through Kendrick Woods, bird watch at the Lippincott Bird Sanctuary, spend a family day at Hermon Woods or take your horses to the bridle trail at the Allen County Farm Park.
The various city, town and village parks also have much to offer throughout Allen County. Finally, to help bring it all together, Lima/Allen County RTA is doing their part by providing bike racks on each of their buses. That means anyone can ride their bike to a bus stop, and after their stop, can get back on their bike to continue their journey. Whatever activity you are seeking, you can find it in Allen County. We encourage you to try a new park, activity or trail that maybe you did not know existed or wanted to try but never have. Now that winter is in our rear-view mirror, it’s time to get active throughout Allen County!