Walking, jogging, hiking, and cycling are all among the few physical activities not interrupted by COVID-19 since the pandemic began. The weather is starting to turn to the point where people can get out and do it, and now they just need a place to do so.

One local group is trying to make sure people have space outdoors to perform the oldest form of exercise in the world and a few others as well. The Estevan And Area Trail Association has been working on cleaning up the trails around Estevan and adding some new elements to them as well. 

"We're just looking to get more users on the trails and keep the vegetation down and the soil packed," said organizer Tanner Mantei. "I also just love seeing people out and enjoying the outdoors like I have my whole life."

The Facebook page for the group has nearly 700 likes as of this writing, and showcases some of their work. The latest addition to the trails is a new bike ramp made from an old tree they cut down and then carved into a shape more conducive to cycling. 

"The biggest thing with existing trails is wind storms will down trees," Mantei said. "You get branches in the trail. Sometimes you get larger trees that need tools, and a big issue is garbage. If guys could go out on their walks, bike rides, hikes, walking their dog, whatever they're doing, if you see a twig on the trail, feel free to throw it off. If you see some garbage, feel free to pick it up and bring it home."

The Trail Association is currently working on two trails in the Estevan area, with plans for another not far from the Humane Society. There are also trails by Roche Percee at the rocks. 

"We've seen quite an uptick in Estevan at the dog park especially and even on the trail up by the trailer park there," said Mantei. "It's awesome."

Mantei added that with COVID-19 having set in, it's more important than ever for people to have things they can do outdoors and do in a socially distant manner.

"I think we couldn't have picked a better time to make it a little more public," he said. "The feedback has been awesome. You can't go and play team sports or indoor sports or things like that. It gives people a venue to get out and get away from life."