Tennessee Greenways and Trails to Hold Annual Forum April 14-16
Thursday, February 10, 2011 | 07:55am
Registration Kicks Off for Murfreesboro Meeting
NASHVILLE – The Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation’s Greenways and Trails program will hold its annual forum in Murfreesboro April 14-16, 2011, which will be hosted by the department’s Recreation Educational Services Division and the Commissioner’s Council on Greenways and Trails.
The three-day networking and skill-building conference, titled “Building Connections,” will be held at Murfreesboro’s Patterson Park Community Center and will feature expert presenters from across the country, in addition to a variety of diverse field trips and educational sessions. Educational sessions will highlight the impact greenways and trails have on our communities – discussing their role in uniting our citizens, improving health and combating obesity, promoting economic development and tourism, alternative transportation opportunities and connecting people with nature.
Charles A. “Chuck” Flink, president of Alta / Greenways, will serve as the keynote speaker on April 15. Widely recognized as one of the nation’s leading greenway planners, Flink has completed comprehensive greenway and open space plans for more than 225 communities in 35 states and is an award-winning author.
“This forum is specifically designed for parks and recreation professionals across the state,” said Jeni Brinkman, assistant director for Recreation Educational Services. “We encourage everyone to take advantage of the opportunity to learn about the latest trends, make new contacts and show your support for Tennessee’s greenways and trails.”
Advanced registration received prior to March 11 is $75. Registration received after March 11 is $100. Interested students will receive a special $25 rate and may be asked to volunteer during the forum. Registration fees include full access to the event, including educational sessions, one of four exciting field trips, two evening programs and lunch on Friday and Saturday. For hotel accommodations, conference attendees will receive an exclusive rate of $77 for government employees and $85 for non-government attendees by calling the Doubletree Hotel in Murfreesboro at (615) 895-5555 by March 14. Rates mentioned do not include tax.
More information on the 2011 Tennessee Greenways and Trails Forum, including a list of speakers, an official event brochure, event sponsors and online registration can be found at www.tn.gov/environment/recreation/.
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