The mission of Activate Martinsville/Henry County is to help make our community a fun, healthy, and desirable place to live by promoting walking, bicycling, and increased physical activity as a part of everyday life.

MARTINSVILLE HALF MARATHON AND 5K TRAINING TEAMS NOW IN PLACE!

Come join the excitement as plans are made for the second annual Martinsville Half Marathon and 5K.  Training teams for both races have started to meet on Tuesday evenings at 5:30.  The team gathers at the YMCA on Starling Avenue for a run and topic of the week.  Some of the topics being covered include:  proper stretching techniques, breathing, clothing, shoes, injury prevention, and more.  Click the Events tab on this page to see the topic for each week.  For more details regarding the race and special events surrounding the race, check out the website, www.martinsvillehalfmarathon.com.

SILVERBELL SPUR TRAIL TAKES SHAPE

The Silverbell Spur Trail is cleared and has been rough graded thanks to the work of many hands.  Brian Williams of Dan River Basin Association assisted in creating the route.  Wayne Willard of Lawnscape Maintenance has worked tirelessly to clear and grade portions of the trail in all kinds of weather.  City crews have completed necessary water line work and helped with grading, fill dirt, and water abatement.  Leon Towarnicki and Jeff Joyce have been wonderful resources for information and crews to assist as the work continues to move forward.  All of this would not have happened without the generous support and property easement offered to the city and trail project by Sandra and Butch Stultz.

The trail connects the Uptown Spur to Church Street close to where the YMCA and Virginia Museum of Natural History are located.  Poles, wires, and fences have been altered to beautify the corner that has been identified as a Gateway to Uptown Martinsville.  Landscaping will be added within the next few weeks.

The new mixed use trail will consist of two asphalt sections joined by a boardwalk that crosses a small stream.  Already walked by some, the new trail offers a view of woodlands in the heart of the city.  Sited animal tracks include turkeys, possums, deer, racoons, dogs and cats.  Look in the gallery of pictures to view the work that has been completed.

ACTIVATE NOW AT THE YMCA

Effective January 1, 2012 Activate offices were re-located to the lower level of the Martinsville YMCA on Starling Avenue.  With approval of The Harvest Foundation Board of Directors, Activate transfered to the YMCA as a permanent home.  According to Cari Zimmer, Activate Director, "Activate has helped make our community a safer place to walk and bike, and people of all ages have been motivated to become active through walking and biking.  Our programs can continue to grow and become sustainable under the YMCA."  In response, Brad Kinkema, Executive Director, Martinsville Henry County Family YMCA, said:  "We are thrilled about this partnership.  This will be a game changer for the YMCA.  Activate will serve as our outreach arm, helping create and sustain a healthier community outside our four walls."

"This is a perfect match," says Nancy Cox, Harvest Foundation Senior Program Officer.  "The YMCA is mission based with an entrepreneurial spirit.  Activate will be able to continue its outstanding programs, with more on the horizon."

BIKE BARN REOPENS APRIL 2012

The Bike Barn officially closed for the season after the last rider relinquished their bike on October 31, 2011.  Since March of 2011 bikes were borrowed, and returned, by 1,880 different riders coming from all over the world from Martinsville to Manitoba to Kurdistan to enjoy the Dick & Willie Passage.  Overall 4,036 rides were completed with a total of 24,598 miles covered.  If you missed the action this year, don't fear, the Bike Barn will reopen in April of 2012 so you may join the "Borrow a Bike, Bring it Back" program.