Nonprofit brings community together for Celebrate Trails Day

Nonprofit

Apr 7

Written By Staff

West Michigan Trails invites trail enthusiasts and community members of all ages and abilities to attend a fun and welcoming Celebrate Trails Day event on April 25 at 2 p.m. at Millennium Park Trails. Attendees will experience how connecting on the trails strengthens communities.

The event begins at the Grant Pavilion and will kick off West Michigan Trails' 2026 Trail Meetup series, part of the nationwide Celebrate Trails Day initiative led by Rails-to-Trails Conservancy.

Attendees are invited to enjoy a relaxed, go-at-your-own-pace experience, walking, rolling, or simply enjoying time outdoors, while connecting with others and exploring the benefits of the region's trail network. Whether you're a regular trail user or it's your first time out, this event is for you.

"Trails are more than just places to walk or ride, they are spaces where community happens," said Jennifer Antel, Program Manager at West Michigan Trails. "Celebrate Trails Day brings people together while showcasing how trails connect our communities. It's the perfect opportunity to highlight West Michigan's incredible trail systems, kick off another season of Trail Meetups, and invite the community to get outside, connect."

This year's event, in partnership with Paws With A Cause, adds a special focus on the role trails play in supporting accessibility and inclusion. Paws With A Cause trains assistance dogs to support people with disabilities, and the organization will be on-site with dogs and handlers to engage with attendees.

"Paws With A Cause is honored to partner with West Michigan Trails for Celebrate Trails Day," said Michele Suchovsky, CEO of Paws With A Cause. "At PAWS, we see every day how greater access creates greater inclusion and stronger communities and that includes access to the outdoors. We're excited to bring our clients and custom-trained dogs out to walk, roll, and connect on West Michigan's trails."

Celebrate Trails Day is a national movement that highlights the importance of trails in supporting public health, connection, and quality of life. Established in 2005, West Michigan Trails is a community-driven nonprofit organization serving an 18-county region across West Michigan and is passionate about connecting people, trails, and communities through local partnerships and shared outdoor experiences. To learn more, visit wmtrails.org.

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