Davison Twp. staff plans to walk the world in 5 years by using the trailway

Matthew Place and Lori Broecker on the path of the Davison Township walkway trail.

By Monica Dufour
INDEX Staff Writer

DAVISON TWP. — Employees at Davison Township Hall have walked almost one-fifth the distance around the world using the Black Creek Nature Trail behind township hall.

Township Police Chief Larry Hrinik, who’s in charge of keeping track of everyone’s miles, said it would take about five years — at 4,980 miles a year — for the group to achieve its goal.

“We are 370 miles short of the 1/5 mark,” Hrinik said as of April 30. “I think there’s a good possibility we will surpass 4,980 miles before July.

A total of 34 employees, including township heads, staff and the police department, decided last July they wanted to start their trek by walking the distance represented by the outline of the United States. He said many of them walked during the winter months as well.

February, he said, employees walked the shortest distance with a total of 135 miles. In October they walked the most with 815 miles.

Hrinik, who wouldn’t confess if the idea of the walk was his or not, said the exercise has been a great way to improve employees’ health and morale. “Instead of sitting in a break room, many of the employees walk,” he said. “The trailway is a beautiful place to go and see beaver dams, deer and all kinds of birds. I think it’s a great program.”

Small incentives are provided as well, he said. For 25 miles, the walker receives a certificate; for 50 miles a pedometer; at 250 miles, a day off. “I think it’s a great program,” he said.

Top walkers are: Lori Broecker, department treasurer, who is in first place with 1,387 miles as of April 30; Matthew Place, building inspector, has 873 miles; and Hrinik has 646 miles.

“I’ve lost about 20 pounds since I started,” Hrinik said.

Broecker has found the trailway a great way to stay fit as well. “I’ve lost 15 pounds since I started the program,” she said.

Broecker averages about 37 miles a week. “I think the trailway is very convenient, being right outside our back door,” she said. “I walk on break, before and during my lunch hour.”

Her favorite area of the trail is at about the half-way mark. “It’s where the beaver dams are. You see more creatures out there,” she said.

“I think people really need to get out there and see how wonderful it is. Kids enjoy it as well. I’ve seen kids walking with their parents or riding their bicycles,” she said. “I wish everyone would come.”

Broecker was one of the members who walked all winter. She has found the umbrella she received many miles ago to be quite helpful. “As long as it’s not in a downpour or raining sideways,” she said with a laugh.

“I like getting out and exercising,” said Pace. “I also enjoy the scenery.”

With the group nearing the end of their first walk, Hrinik said they will decide their next destination in July.