A new initiative aimed at showcasing Dripping Springs’ five city parks and helping residents stay healthy and active is set to begin this weekend.

Healthy Parks, Healty People – Dripping Springs is the new initiative launched by the city where park-goers can engage in hiking, biking, jogging, bird watching, playing on playground equipment, swimming and more.

According to a press release, the program will be an adaption of one that was created by the National Parks Service (NPS).

The organization gave the City of Driping Springs permission to use the name and get it started here, according to the release.

The concept is promoting people to visit the parks to embrace the connection between nature and health.

The goal for the program is to have a monthly event.  Dripping Springs will partner with local health related businesses or organizations to highlight a health topic. Each event will be held at various city parks.  Participants will also receive a “Health Passport” that they can get stamped each time they attend an event. 

At the end of the year there will be special awards for participants who reach a certain number of stamps.

The program kicks off Sunday when the city hosts the Dripping Springs Mountain Bike Team Mash-Up and Swap Meet  at Dripping Springs Ranch Park (DSRP). The event will provide bikes and gear for kids to try mountain biking for free. 

The event is open to adults and children to raise awareness not only to the sport but to the trails at DSRP as well.

Attendees will be able to take laps around the trails or take part in the swap meet where families can buy, sell or trade any bike parts they’d like to bring. The event also includes a bike rodeo that will have several stations including a bike safety check, skills practice and a lap with a coach.