Aitkin Recreational Trails Get a Fresh Look with Wayfinding Signage

Enhancing Accessibility and Community Health Through Trail Signage

Author: Hannah Colby, RD, LD, CLS

Community Health Specialist with Aitkin County Public Health

In Aitkin, community collaboration and shared vision have transformed a beloved local asset into an even more accessible and inviting space for residents and visitors alike. The Aitkin Park Committee, in partnership with Aitkin County Public Health through the Statewide Health Improvement Program (SHIP), has successfully identified and met a key need: wayfinding signage for the newly named Aitkin Recreational Trails, including the well-used paved Tank Trail.

With community wellness and outdoor recreation in mind, the Aitkin Park Committee recognized that clearer signage could enhance safety, encourage more physical activity, and create a more user-friendly trail experience —especially for families, older adults, and those new to the area.

Thanks to funding support from Aitkin County Public Health’s SHIP program and Riverwood Healthcare Center, the Committee was able to design and produce custom trail markers. The City of Aitkin Street Department brought the project to life, installing the signs along the trail on April 24th. A total of 13 new trail posts were placed at every tenth of a mile along the 1.3 – mile route, with the first marker beginning at the trailhead off Red Oak Drive.

As you drive by Paulbeck’s Market, you may notice a big new sign on their pylon highlighting the Aitkin Recreational Trails. A special thank you to Paulbeck’s for their generous donation, which helped make wayfinding more accessible for both our community and visitors coming to Aitkin. Their support is another example of how local businesses play a vital role in shaping a healthier, more welcoming community.

These new markers provide easy-to-read distance updates and orientation points, making the trail more accessible for walkers, joggers, bikers, and families. The signage supports health equity by helping all community members —including those unfamiliar with trail systems — feel more comfortable and confident navigating the space.

And there’s more to come. Additional signage for the nature trail loops, mowed trails designed to immerse visitors in the beauty of Aitkin’s natural surroundings, has already been purchased and is slated for installation. These trails will offer another layer of outdoor engagement, giving families and nature enthusiasts even more reason to explore, learn, and enjoy the outdoors.

What makes the Aitkin Recreational Trails even more unique is their year-round appeal. During the winter months, these trails are beautifully transformed into groomed cross-country ski trails, thanks to a strong partnership with the Aitkin County Land Department. This seasonal transformation invites the community to stay active and connected to nature through every season. Whether it’s a morning walk in the fall or a snowy glide on skis in January, the trails continue to serve as a valuable asset for health, recreation, and well-being.

This project is a shining example of what can be achieved when local government, public health, and healthcare come together with a shared goal – improving community health and making Aitkin a better place to live, move, and explore.

The Aitkin Recreational Trails are now not only a scenic route but also a symbol of the community’s commitment to wellness, accessibility, and collaboration.