Friends of Johnston County Park's 2nd Annual Walk and Talk about Trails Event
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Contacts:
Sarah Bunn, Friends of Johnston County Parks
(919) 741-4004 | sarahlbunn@gmail.com
WALK and TALK about TRAILS in JOHNSTON COUNTY
Smithfield, NC (September 19, 2023) – The public is invited to attend a Walk and Talk event regarding
trails, parks, and open spaces in Johnston County. Come out to learn more about what’s happening with
open spaces in Johnston County on Saturday, October 21st in Smithfield, NC - hosted by The Friends of
Johnston County Parks.
“Last year’s Walk and Talk event in Clayton was a huge success with a great turnout. We hope that the
community shows up again in Smithfield this year to walk the trail with us and meet some of our partner
organizations. There will also be county officials on hand to discuss the exciting future of trails in JoCo,”
said Derrick Applewhite, Chairmen of the Board for the Friends of Johnston County Parks.
The schedule for the event is below; keep in mind that there will be different start times for walking
participants versus biking participants:
- 4:00-5:00 pm – Walking participants will meet at the Smithfield Recreation and Aquatics Center Shelter
near the Buffalo Creek Greenway trailhead and walk 2.3 miles up the Neuse Riverwalk and Buffalo Creek
Greenway to the newly renovated Neuse River Amphitheater. - 4:30-5:00 pm – Bikers will meet at the Smithfield Recreation and Aquatics Center Shelter near the Buffalo
Creek Greenway trailhead and bike 2.3 miles up the Neuse Riverwalk and Buffalo Creek Greenway to the
newly renovated Neuse River Amphitheater. - 5:00-6:00 pm – Everyone will meet at the newly renovated Neuse River Amphitheater at 150 S. Front
Street in Downtown Smithfield for mingling and a brief learning session about trails in Johnston County.
Afterward, join us as we take a short walk down the street for a drink at the Little Brown Jug. It will be a
cash bar and there will be light snacks provided. The JCATs have graciously agreed to provide a shuttle
transportation, for those who need it, to take bikers and hikers from the Amphitheater area back to their cars
at SRAC between 5:30 - 7:00 p.m., Armbands will be provided to participants at check-in that will identify
them to the shuttle driver as part of the group.
“The Friends group is excited about providing opportunities like this so that interested members of the
public can engage with the fantastic recreational assets we have in the county; as well as learn more about
future county projects and how they can get involved directly in supporting and promoting parks and trails
in Johnston County,” stated Applewhite.
It is important that you register here to let us know you are coming, and be sure to let us know on the form
if you will need to use the shuttle after the event so we can get an accurate headcount. This event is rain
or shine. If you are biking or walking, please bring water and snacks, and dress in layers for the weather.
Bikers must wear a helmet.
More about the Sponsor Organization:
Friends of Johnston County Parks is a nonprofit advocacy group for Johnston County that believes
that parks have the power to strengthen communities, transform lives, and protect the future. Members
work with county and town officials, residents, and the media to promote, protect, and maintain recreational
spaces in JoCo for everyone. If you would like to support our group, please follow this link or scan the QR code below.
Original Post by Friends of Johnston County Parks
