On Saturday, Oct. 1 from 9am-12pm, the Healthy West Orange Trails Connection (HWOTC) will host a “Take Over the Trails Day.” The event will celebrate the creation of the HWOTC steering committee, while also providing an opportunity for the community to learn more about this collaborative effort.
During the event, various partners will be stationed on the West Orange Trail near the Healthy West Orange Arts and Heritage Center Center at the Town of Oakland. They will provide information about the HWOTC mission and accomplishments to date, which include forming one of the largest grassroots coalitions for trail activation and development in the Central Florida region. Remarks will kick off in front of the Heritage Center.
“Trails play a critical role not only in the health and wellness of our community but also in the preservation of the natural landscapes that are unique to west Orange County,” said Lesa Boettcher, FHWO chief operating officer and HWOTC executive committee member. “The Foundation is committed to supporting opportunities that help increase physical activity, social engagement and overall wellbeing for our residents.”
HWOTC was developed to promote, activate, and enhance the trail system throughout west Orange County. The steering committee includes the Town of Oakland, the City of Ocoee, the Town of Windermere, the City of Winter Garden, Gotha Rural Settlement, the West Orange Healthcare District (WOHD), and the FHWO. Supporting agencies include Orange County, the Florida Department of Transportation, MetroPlan Orlando, Florida Department of Health – Orange County, West Orange Chamber of Commerce, Bike/Walk Central Florida and the City of Apopka among others.
“We are incredibly excited to be a part of the Healthy West Orange Trails Connection to help foster relationships and build active and healthy supportive lifestyles in west Orange County. We want to build a world where everyone of every ability can safely walk, bike or roll through the trails and streets in our communities.”
Emily Hanna, Executive Director of BWCF
About the Foundation for a Healthier West Orange
An independent, 501(c)3 organization, the Foundation for a Healthier West Orange inspires healthy behaviors, champions healthy programs, unites like-minded health organizations, encourages healthy community decisions, and invests in residents’ health and wellbeing.
About the Healthy West Orange Trails Connection
The Healthy West Orange Trails Connection (HWOTC) was formed to promote, activate and enhance the trail system to create opportunities for physical activity, social engagement, prosperity, and happiness. Its goal is to connect a dynamic regional trail system that we can all enjoy close to home.
