Walking through spring

LIMA — Enjoy the great outdoors at any of three hikes going on this weekend in the area.“Ours is not fast-paced walk, it's just a nice opportunity for people to get out in the park and enjoy themselves,” said Chris Fetzer, volunteer coordinator for the Johnny Appleseed Metropolitan Park District, which hosts a Tuesday Trekkers walk at 1 p.m. Tuesdays at Ottawa Metro Park, 2632 Ada Road.“This walk is on the level river walk, and we really encourage people who are sitting home by themselves to join us and get to know other people who are also enjoying a walk and talk,” Fetzer said.Likewise, in St. Marys, the April Showers Hike on Sunday afternoon encourages people to get outdoors.“This is more of a fitness hike than a nature hike. It runs along the canal, and it's really scenic,” said Allison Brady, organizer of the event. “It's a 5K hike, which is 3.1 miles. It's a hike on the towpath trail, which is flat and smooth,” Brady said.“And it's a fabulous time of year to be on the towpath. There will be birds coming back to the area, spring flowers in bloom, and this walk passes the 40-Acre Pond. It's a good hike for families, definitely do-able for all generations.”And in Ottoville, a 5K and half-mile fun run/walk on Saturday will raise money for new playground equipment for the Ottoville Park.“Running is pretty popular around the tri-county area, and this is a good, flat course. It starts at the park, goes out of town and back again,” said Tammy Saxton, organizer of the event.“And, just knowing they're helping out in the community is something a lot of people enjoy,” Saxton said. The new playground equipment carries a price tag of $87,000.