Three of the proposed 50 miles are complete; a bus tour of the system set for on Jan. 10

LEBANON - Despite the cold and wet weather, Build Lebanon Trails is continuing to construct walking, hiking and even water paths around the city.

More than 50 miles of trails are proposed. Volunteers so far have completed construction of more than three miles of trails.

Each month, the group hosts walks or hikes, and earlier this month the walk was at the first phase of the Marks Slough Trail, which is ADA accessible.

Next month's event will be the third annual bus tour of the trail system with optional walks. The event, from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Jan. 10, is expected to be well attended and there will be limited space, said Rob Sell, a member of the Build Lebanon Trails steering committee.

Currently, the group is building 2,400 feet of hard-surface trail at the north end of Cheadle Lake, set to open to the public in June.

There will also be 5,100 feet of water trail - designated points of interest for people in non-motorized watercraft. A map of the lake will show the points as a trail.

Lebanon and Sweet Home high school students are creating interpretive signs that will be placed on the land and in the water.

Recently, Dr. Rick Wopat, Nancy Kirks and Mollie Kerins with Build Lebanon Trails received Fitness Leadership Awards from the Governor's Council on Physical Fitness and Sports, which recognizes Oregonians who support the council's mission of promoting physical activity and wellness in Oregon.

As a fundraiser, Build Lebanon Trails is selling sweatshirts, T-shirts and hats. Sell said information about the sale will soon be posted online at www.lebanontrails.com. The website also has information about upcoming walks.