Success Story: Southwestern Community College Walking Trail
The Southwestern Community College (SCC) Walking Trail began in 1998 as a nature trail developed by SCC. Beginning in September of 2005, the students and staff at SCC worked to expand the trail to include newly added wooded sections and urban sidewalks on campus. Over 55 students, employees and community members volunteered to re-establish and expand the trail, which is now a 1.87 mile loop. The trail opened officially in December of 2005, with a ribbon-cutting ceremony and inaugural hike led by college president Cecil Groves.
One Southwestern Community College staff member notes that his time on the walking trail helped him become eligible to donate a kidney to his daughter. He said that donating the kidney was a “good inspiration to keep [him] going around the trail,” and that he continued to walk because it helped him to “feel better and do more.” In addition to helping his daughter, he lowered his blood pressure and lost 23 pounds.
The Road to Success
The main trail work began in September and was completed in October 2005 by the SCC Outdoor Leadership Club, with assistance from SCC employees. SCC has provided the trail not only for its staff and students, but also for the surrounding community.
SCC established a virtual plaque on their website to spotlight employees and students who join the 100 or 500 mile clubs. So far, eight employees have become 100 milers, meaning they have charted their 53 laps around the trail. In addition to being noted on the virtual plaque, students and staff who reach these milestones are rewarded with a SCC polo shirt with the trail logo.
SCC took advantage of its student and employee resources when completing the trail. Wren Haney, SCC Advertising & Graphic Design student, designed the trail logo, and SCC surveying students designed the trail map. SCC also partnered with its existing clubs, including the Outdoor Leadership Club to help complete the trail project.
The opening ceremony – a ribbon cutting and hike – was led by the college president, and marked a major milestone of achievement for the SCC community.
Stepping Stones...
- Take advantage of your surroundings – expanding the nature trail meant employees, students and community members could experience more of the beautiful mountain scenery.
- Map it out – the trail is very accessible because the route is clearly marked out on individual brochures and oversized maps available at each trail head.
- Branding is key – by creating a logo, the trail has become a recognizable feature around campus.
- Reward successes – the virtual plaque and polo shirts recognize those who make the extra effort on the trail.
Contact Information
Chuck Reece, Human Resources Director
Southwestern Community College
