Trail Works of Wayne County rang in the New Year with its annual First Day Hike at Beechwood State Park. The First Day Hike program began locally in Massachusetts in 1992, and then went nationwide in 2012 with the support of America’s State Parks alliance.

These hikes provide a means for individuals and families to welcome the coming year in the outdoors, exercising and connecting with nature. For many, including Trail Works, it has become a tradition.

Beechwood manager Sal Vittozzi led the hike and shared several improvements at the Park he has been working on. There is a new trail through the larch pine plantation for cross country skiing and snowshoeing. The old “rubber band bridge” was rebuilt this past year, and is now called the Keith Ketcham Bridge.

Hikers also saw the new John Faulks Sunset Pavilion at the bluff, and a brand new ice skating rink at the main entrance just waiting for colder weather to set up the ice. Many additional improvements to the park

are planned for the future.

Trail Works holds events throughout the winter for cross country skiing and snowshoeing. Go to their website, www.trailworks.org, or their Facebook page for information on upcoming events.