Sumter is excited to announce the launch of TRACK Trails, the newest addition to Sumter’s tourism and family recreation opportunities. Offered through the Kids in Parks program, TRACK Trails is a free, national initiative designed to connect children and families with nature through fun, hands-on exploration.
The community is invited to help celebrate the grand opening of Sumter’s TRACK Trail program, sponsored by Blue Cross Blue Shield of South Carolina and Diabetes Free SC, on Tuesday, September 30, at 4 pm, with a ceremony and guided activity at the Prisma Health Shot Pouch Greenway Trailhead at Swan Lake Iris Gardens. Parking is available in the trailhead parking lot located at 9 Bland Avenue.
Families in Sumter will have five opportunities to enjoy TRACK Trail adventures:
- Poinsett State Park
- Woods Bay State Park
- Swan Lake Iris Gardens
- Prisma Health Shot Pouch Greenway
- Mary McLeod Bethune Walking Trail
“TRACK Trails brings a unique, family-friendly element to Sumter’s outdoor spaces,” said David Merchant, City of Sumter Mayor. “This program is a great way to inspire the next generation to appreciate nature while having fun together.”
Each self-guided Sumter TRACK Trail adventure encourages kids to discover the outdoors in new ways—whether spotting wildlife, identifying plants, or completing themed activities. An example of the activities, the "Need for Trees" helps kids learn about the various types of trees found along the trail, including oak, magnolia, sweetgum, and cypress. In contrast, "Animal Athlete" allows kids to mimic fun, animal movements. Families can also access smartphone-friendly e-Adventures, making every walk an interactive learning experience.
Best of all, the fun doesn’t stop when the trail ends! Kids who participate in the program can register their TRACK Trail adventures at www.KidsinParks.com to earn a series of prizes designed to make their next outdoor adventure even more fun and meaningful. Since the program’s inception, more than 1 million TRACK Trail adventures have been completed by kids across the U.S.
“By bringing TRACK Trails to Sumter County, we’re connecting families to special places that make Sumter so wonderful,” said Jim McCain, Chairman of the Sumter County Council. “This initiative not only encourages outdoor exploration but also strengthens tourism and enhances the quality of life for our community.”
The Sumter TRACK Trails program is free and open to the public. For more information, visit www.LoveSumter.com.
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About the Kids in Parks program: Kids in Parks has over 200 TRACK Trails across 15 states, Washington, D.C., and the Qualla Boundary, comprising a national network of trails. Kids in Parks began on the Blue Ridge Parkway, developed by the Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation in partnership with the National Park Service and the Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina Foundation. As the program demonstrated easy implementation and effectiveness in getting children outdoors, Kids in Parks has rapidly expanded to other parks and public lands across the country.