How many times do you have to walk around the Oakland Street Park loop trail to make a mile? Common rumor had it that you had to traverse around the trail four times. However, we are pleased to inform you that it only takes 3 1/3 loops around the trail to make one mile so you can achieve your exercise/walking goals all the sooner.

The Oakland Street Park loop trail is very familiar to Medway residents as it is in back of both the Senior Center and the Oakland Street Playground at 76 Oakland St. The loop trail is not officially considered an all-access trail but for those Medway residents seeking a fairly flat, walkable trail, it serves as a great alternative. As long as you stay on the trail, you are not apt to be bothered much by natural impediments.

The Monday outdoor concerts are underway and if you get to the park early enough, you can pick your listening site on the field that the trail loops around. Set down your foldable chair or blanket and circle around the field once or thrice depending on your energy level before enjoying music under a setting sun.

The trail is flanked by a forest's outer border making for nice scenery. It also has a bench on the far side that you can sit at, and two benches at the beginning of the trail.

Walking your dog on a leash is permitted but note that you cannot enter the playground area with your dog at all.

There is a restroom building available from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. A kiosk containing a map, lists some of the trail's amenities and makes mention of its soccer fields, playground and basketball courts. During the windy season, kite flying is very accessible in the field as long as it does not conflict with the scheduled soccer games posted.

The month of July is the start of a six-week summer program for children ages 4 and up called the Sunshine Group. There are two sheds next to the trail containing the Sunshine Group supplies and another posting in the kiosk pays tribute to the late Paul Desimone who was instrumental in its evolution.

If you are interested in joining the trail club just for the season or all year round, find us on Facebook at "Medway Trail Club". The club generally meets most Wednesday mornings from 8:3010 a.m.

Submitted by Medway Open Space Committee and Medway Trail Club