What better way to kick off the opening of a new family- and pet-friendly trail in Maryland Heights than with the Waggin’ Tails on the Trail 3k Fun Walk?

The Great Rivers Greenway District and the City of Maryland Heights will have a ribbon cutting and walk celebrating the opening of the first phase of the McKelvey Woods Trail at 10 a.m. on Saturday, April 5. The event will start at the trailhead located near the entrance of Aquaport at 2344 McKelvey Road in Maryland Heights.

Phase I of the new trail is one mile in length and provides a safe, off-street trail connection from Aquaport to McKelvey Woods Park. Phase II—slated for construction in 2015—will extend the trail two additional miles from McKelvey Woods Park to Creve Coeur Park near Marine Avenue.

In addition to the ribbon cutting and fun walk, the event on April 5 will include vendors, contests and refreshments for sale. Dogport—the City of Maryland Heights’ community dog park—will be open to participants at no additional charge.

“The walk is an opportunity for people to come check out the new trail, meet their neighbors and enjoy the spring weather,” said Mary Vaughan, Director of Parks and Recreation for Maryland Heights. “The walk is right around two miles, so it’s great for the entire family.”

The City of Maryland Heights is coordinating registration for the Fun Walk. The registration fee for one dog and one human is $15 and includes a t-shirt and bandana. Without a dog, the registration fee is $12. Children under age 16 must be accompanied by an adult. Dog owners must present dogs’ current rabies vaccination records at registration or have a current Dogport membership. There is a limit of two dogs per handler.

For more information about the Fun Walk, contact Meghan Moore at the City of Maryland Heights at (314) 738-2599. For more information about the McKelvey Woods Trail, please contact Great Rivers Greenway at 314-436-7009 or visit www.greatriversgreenway.org.

Image: Great Rivers Greenway