It’s time to break out some walking shoes. In honor of Employee Appreciation Week, the Teal Trail was officially opened Oct. 4. The trail was created by Wellness Wave, UNCW’s wellness committee.

The idea for the trail came up after the physical activity subcommittee saw the importance of promoting healthy behaviors such as walking or running on campus. Tamlyn Shields, the obesity initiative prevention coordinator and member of the wellness committee, said that the committee has very little funding but still wanted to do something that helped encourage physical activity. By adding signs and markers to a designated trail, they were able to accomplish this goal.

“Research demonstrates that adding signage and mileage markers to an existing trail or sidewalk can increase the number of people using the trail for exercise. Thus, creating the Teal Trail by utilizing existing sidewalks on campus was a creative, affordable solution that met our goal of promoting physical activity among employees,” said Shields.

Besides the low cost to the wellness committee, the Teal Trail is also free to university employees to use.

“This would be something they wouldn’t have to pay to participate in,” said Michele Martin, assistant director for fitness programs at Campus Recreation and a member of the wellness committee. “Faculty and staff will have the opportunity to incorporate a healthy lifestyle while at work.”

Having a healthy lifestyle can also improve employees’ moods. According to Shields, regular participation in physical activity decreases stress. “Physically active workers are more productive and miss fewer days of work,” she said.

The trail starts at McNeill Hall and works its way around campus, up Randall Drive, past Kenan Auditorium and down Chancellor’s Walk back to the nursing building. The total distance of the trail is 1.65 miles.

Both Martin and Shields plan on using the trail themselves and hope that other employees feel inspired to do so as well.

“We hope they think of it as convenient, easy to use, and as a next step on their journey to stay well.  We want our employees to enjoy where they work, and we feel this is a way to enjoy the beautiful atmosphere of UNCW’s campus,” said Martin.

The beautiful atmosphere of campus is one of the reasons both Martin and Shields are already regulars on the trail.

“I have been using it every week, running and walking,” said Martin.  “It winds through a beautiful campus. How could I not use it?”

“Our campus is absolutely beautiful. Get out and enjoy it,” said Shields.

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