Hannibal Regional celebrates grand opening of Healthy Way Fitness Trail expansion

HANNIBAL, Mo. — Hannibal Regional celebrated the grand opening of the Healthy Way Fitness Trail expansion, the Healthy Way Nature Trail, on Tuesday, July 11.

Located on the west side of the medical campus next to the Emergency Department parking lot, the newest addition to the trail adds just under a half mile to the existing path that winds through the rest of campus.

Thanks to a new partnership with the Mississippi Hills Missouri Master Naturalists, the nature trail will include areas of native plants and prairies.  The paved path winds around a pond and through a wooded area, has lights throughout and is free to use by all community members. Future plans for the trail include a large covered pavilion, picnic benches and park benches to be spread out along the trail.

The original Health Way Fitness Trial was built in 2014 with funds from a dedicated campaign coordinated by Hannibal Regional Foundation. The community donated more than $175,000 for the initial trail, which has been heavily utilized by both area residents and visitors to the healthcare system.

With so much use, discussions began in 2019 to expand the Healthy Way and provide a walking path with more of a nature trail feel. With strong support from both Hannibal Regional board members, team members, local residents and area businesses, the campaign for this expansion project raised more than $200,000.

In a press release, Hannibal Regional president and CEO Todd Ahrens said, “Hannibal Regional’s commitment to the health of our region is far-reaching.  We continue to grow in what we can offer locally and in the region in the delivery of healthcare and also continue to invest in the health of our region through projects like the fitness trail.”

A large crowd turned out for the ribbon-cutting. After remarks from both Ahrens and Wendy Harrington, president and CEO of Hannibal Regional Foundation, the group enjoyed an inaugural walk around the trail led by Ahrens.

When discussing the trail, Harrington shared, “The whole idea for this trail really started with Todd and his wife Lydia. They were the champions behind the project. With their vision, the support of our system leadership and the generosity of our community, we were able to provide this valuable asset that supports healthy living to this area.”

For more information about The Healthy Way Fitness Trail, visit hannibalregional.org or call 573-629-3577.