The Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation’s Greenways and Trails program will hold a forum at Montgomery Bell State Park April 15-17, which will be hosted by the department’s Recreation Educational Services Division and the Commissioner’s Council on Greenways and Trails.
The 2015 Tennessee Greenways and Trails Forum is a three-day educational workshop and networking conference, designed for parks and recreational professionals, planners and city and county officials. This year’s theme is “Tennessee Trails: Partnerships for Great Health and a Good Economy” and forum sessions will highlight the impact of greenways and trails in Tennessee’s communities, such as improving health and combating obesity, promoting economic development and tourism, providing alternative transportation opportunities and connecting people to nature.
Members from the Governor’s Foundation for Health and Wellness will serve as the keynote on April 16. The Governor’s Foundation for Health and Wellness represents a statewide coalition made up of major employers, hospital systems, health insurers, YMCAs, local governments, school systems, and several healthcare-focused foundations and civic organizations.
Rick Wood, Tennessee State director, Trust for Public Land, will also be a featured speaker. He has a diverse background in city planning, community involvement, real estate development, land acquisition for public spaces and plan implementation. He enjoys working closely with both the public and private sectors developing and implementing plans. He has been with the Trust for Public Land for just over 11 years and has been engaged in the Chattanooga community since 1996.
“The Tennessee Greenways and Trails Forum is a great opportunity for parks and recreation professionals to learn the latest trends in greenways and trails, make new contacts and strengthen existing relationships,” said Bob Richards, Greenways and Trails coordinator. “The forum will feature expert presenters in addition to a variety of diverse field trips and educational sessions.”
Advanced registration received prior to April 6 is $99. Registration received after April 6 is $125. Interested students will receive a special $25 rate with a current student ID. Registration fees include access to the event, educational sessions, networking events, workshops, field trips and lunch and dinner on Thursday. To register for the Forum, visit http://events.constantcontact.com/register/event?llr=aqx85ieab&oeidk=a07eaf1lqam8d7ae9e5.
For hotel accommodations, conference attendees will receive a rate of $77 (excluding tax) at Montgomery Bell State Park Inn by calling 615 797-3101 by April 3 and mentioning Tennessee Greenways and Trails or code 7443.
More information on the 2015 Tennessee Greenways and Trails Forum, including a link to the draft agenda, can be found at http://www.tn.gov/environment/recreation/.
The Tennessee Greenways and Trails program encourages communities to save their special green spaces, promote the volunteer spirit of Tennesseans and work to preserve and conserve the natural and cultural resources that make each community in the state special.