Western Outdoor Times - Times Spent Outdoors: Priceless!

Have you ever wanted to tell someone to take a hike? Well, on Nov. 17, National Take A Hike Day, you'll get your chance!

"At our next board meeting, my colleagues and I plan on joining forces with the Parks and Recreation Department as they tell people to 'take a hike'...literally," said Maricopa County Board of Supervisors Chairman Andy Kunasek, District 3.

"In recognition of National Take A Hike Day, the Parks Department is waiving the day-use park entry fee on Nov. 17 to further encourage people to 'take a hike' in a County park."

"While there is very little information available on the history of National Take A Hike Day, the concept aligns with our goal to get people outdoors so we've decided to recognize it," said R.J. Cardin, Maricopa County Parks and Recreation Department director.

"We want people to come out and enjoy a leisurely stroll along their favorite trail, join a fitness hike or one of the many programs we'll have available on that date. They can bring their family, friends, pets or even their boss, if they choose," added Cardin.

"This is a great idea," said Supervisor Steve Chucri, District 2. "The free entry day falls on a Sunday which gives working families the opportunity to take advantage our beautiful parks and fall weather."

Maricopa County is home to one of the largest regional parks systems in the nation with over 120,000 acres of open space parks that include hundreds of miles of trails. "Maricopa County's regional park system is also home to the Maricopa Trail. If you're unable to make it to a County park, I'd like to invite you to explore the Maricopa Trail.

Maps for completed trail segments can be found on the department's Web site," said Kunasek.

For more information on upcoming Take A Hike Day events, trail maps and park locations, visit http://www.maricopa.gov/parks or call (602) 506-2930.

In recognition of Take A Hike Day, the $6 per vehicle day-use entry fee will be waived on Nov.17; all other fees apply. For a complete listing of park fees, please visit the Web site.