Sunday was the 12th annual Run Stanley 5k race… an event that will help to enhance Stanley Park in Westfield.
WESTFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) – Whether it was a walk or a run, the community and their furry friends made their way to Stanley Park in Westfield to participate in the 12th annual Run Stanley race.
This family friendly event featured a 5K trail run and walk for everyone and a 1 mile non-competitive Stroll & Roll for those in wheelchairs.
The money raised at the event goes towards the care and upkeep of the Frank Stanley Beveridge Wildlife Sanctuary and the accessible pathways at the park.
Organizers told 22News that it’s important to preserve parks like this in the city so that the community can continue to come out and enjoy it.
“It helps out with keeping our trails maintained we have over 200 acres in our wildlife sanctuary and we are always looking to improve accessibility in the park so everyone can enjoy all of the different places here,” said Nikki Cornelius, the development coordinator at Stanley Park.
Cornelius said Stanley Park is one of the only non-profit parks in Massachusetts that does not have an entry fee. She says having events like this will benefit everyone in the community who wants to visit the park.