The Observation Deck

********Lakewood Volksmarch: Birdtown Trail***************

Saturday, August 2, 2008

See some of Lakewood's most spectacular and historical scenery!

Learn about:
- Lakewood's nationally-recognized Slovak enclave of churches, shops and homes
- A death-defying Templar race to Akron
- The fire department fiasco of '39!
- How an abandoned cemetery turns downtown haunt
- and much more!

The Start and Finish location for the Volksmarch is at the Madison Branch of the Lakewood Public Library at 13229 Madison Avenue

You can start anytime between 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. (We ask that you finish no later than 4 p.m.)

The full route is 10 km (6.2 miles); an alternate route is 5 km (3.1 miles).

It is an easy walk on sidewalks suitable for strollers and wheelchairs. Restrooms and water are available at the start of the walk.

Attention Swimmers - Lakewood Volkswim! From 9:30 a.m. - 11:00 a.m., Madison Community Park Pool will be open free of charge to any participants in the Lakewood Birdtown Trail.

Registration is free and all are welcome to participate!

FREE COMMEMORATIVE PIN TO FIRST 250 REGISTRANTS!

The Lakewood Birdtown Trail is organized by the Lakewood Public Library (http://www.lkwdpl.org) and the Valley Vagabonds of Cleveland (http://www.valleyvagabonds.org/)
Sponsors include the Friends of the Lakewood Public Library, Geiger's Clothing and Sports, and bela dubby (http://www.myspace.com/beladubby)

Special thanks to Lakewood Department of Recreation (http://www.lakewoodrecreation.com) for the use of the Madison Pool.

The library also hosts two year-round volksmarches, The Lakewood History Walk, and the Clifton Park Trail.

These walks can be done at any time, year round. Stop by the Main Library checkout desk, or visit http://www.lkwdpl.org/paths/volksmarch/index.html for more information.

What is a "volksmarch?" A volksmarch is an organized hike or walk which usually covers a distance of 5, 10 or 20 kilometers. The trail usually goes through woods or near historic or scenic areas. It is designed to appeal to everyone and it is not a contest of speed or endurance. Volksmarching (walking) is good exercise and encourages outdoor physical activity for people of all ages and physical condition. It is a great family activity, it is lots of fun and provides an opportunity to make new friends from all over. Volksmarching is extremely popular in European countries and this popular form of leisure sports has spread to 25 countries. To learn more about this exciting family-friendly sport, visit the Cleveland-based Valley Vagabonds, the American Volksport Association or the Internationaler Volksportverband.