May 22, 2014

Written by Mark Keller, director of college advancement
Featured in"On Campus" in the Medicine Hat News

There are new reasons to feel welcome on your college campus, and we have lots of people to thank for the opportunities.

Just in time for warming spring weather, some fun additions have been made to the Sunrise Rotary Trail that encircles Medicine Hat College and connects to the city’s extensive trail system.

Cyclists, runners, walkers and fitness fans will find two outdoor fitness stations that make great additions to community and family wellness. Do some sit ups. Stretch. I’m no exercise expert, but it looks to me that ‘dips’ and ‘pull ups’ are among the challenges you can add to your outdoor workout.

Another plus, for families especially, is a playground addition that you’ll find by the tennis courts on the north side of the campus. Or, if you start your trek in Kin Coulee Park, you’ll easily spot the playground from the top of the toboggan hill.

The playground also features a warm-up and stretching station, another helpful addition for folks using the 2.9 km trail as an addition to their fitness routines.

If you’re not planning to run the trail, have no worries. Park benches have been added along the way at intervals intended to offer respite to people who value or need a gentler pace to their exercise.

You might just enjoy the view from the benches as the trail offers unique views of the city. There is a lot of wildlife to be seen too. Owls frequent the campus and are often spotted in the trees beside the main parking lot.

The geese and ducks have returned, of course. Gilda, our most famous feathered student, is the proud parent of several goslings though we strongly encourage viewing from a prudent and respectful distance.

These family-friendly additions to campus have been made possible by several groups and organizations. The Sunrise Rotary Club is at the top of the list which also includes funds gifted by the 2011 Southern Alberta Games, Culture and Community Spirit grants, the Medicine Hat Kinsmen Club, Johnson Controls Ltd., Blue Imp, and our own Library Recycling Committee.

The trail wouldn’t have been possible without these groups, and a few individual donors too like the Haysom family. Thanks for your help making Medicine Hat College just that much more welcoming.

Spring, good reasons to appreciate the outdoors, and a reminder of how much collaboration helps make life better. Visit the Sunrise Rotary Trail to enjoy all three.

Visit www.mhc.ab.ca to learn more about your college, contact Mark Keller with your questions at mkeller@mhc.ab.ca or follow him on Twitter @mark_mhc.

The Medicine Hat News is a great community partner. Thanks!