Since 2008, Trailnet’s annual Active Living Awards have celebrated individuals and institutions in St. Louis that promote increased physical activity as a means to foster healthy living and vibrant communities. The 2015 awards ceremony held in October, which featured a reception and benefit concert by singer-songwriter Martin Sexton, recognized:

Regional Government Award: Steve Stenger, County Executive, St. Louis County. Awarded to a federal, state or local government agency impacting Trailnet’s mission in the areas of policy, planning, project management and infrastructural improvements.

Collective Impact/Community Investment Award: Patrick Sly, Executive Vice President, Emerson; Hilary Wagner, Vice President, MERS Goodwill; Gerry Noll, Owner, Ferguson Bicycle Shop. Honoring the collaboration between the organizations and their positive impact in Ferguson.

Local Public Engagement Award: City of Kirkwood. Recognizing a municipality that has shown exemplary follow-through after the use of Trailnet pedestrian and bicycle master plan services.

Innovative Community Catalyst Award: Dennis Lower, President and CEO, Cortex. Celebrating an organization providing significant advancement in the area of connectivity that transforms the livability of the region.

Tom Yarbrough Award: Faye Paige Edwards, Team Leader, GirlTrek. Given in memory of Trailnet’s Bicycle Fun Club founder, recognizing contributions to the St. Louis cycling and walking community.

This year, Trailnet also acknowledged Though Leaders, innovators championing transportation solvency and promoting active lifestyles in their communities with bold new ideas and energy. The 2015 honorees included:

John Dubinsky, Chairman, Cortex Board of Directors
Sheila Holm, Associate Director – Community Outreach, AARP St. Louis
Missy Kelley, President and CEO, Downtown St. Louis, Inc.
Mike Myers, Fire Chief, St. Charles Fire Department
Valerie Patton, Vice President – Economic Inclusion, St. Louis Regional Chamber
Odester and Jack Saunders, Community Volunteers
Von Smith, Family Community Specialist, Froebel Elementary School
Cara Spencer, Alderwoman, Ward 20, City of St. Louis
Hank Webber, Vice Chairman, Cortex Board of Directors, and Executive Vice Chancellor for Administration, Washington University in St. Louis
Josh Wiese, Scheduler, Office of the Mayor of St. Louis

“Livibility is everything. It’s how you’re able to promote growth and health in a community,” said Ralph Pfremmer, executive director of Trailnet. “We are honored to recognize our 2015 Thought Leaders and Active Living Awardees for helping St. Louis become a place where streets meet the needs of residents of all ages — including children walking to school, adults biking to work, and seniors being outdoors for daily exercise and errands.”

Image: Kelly Sleeper