Leaders at Maumee United Methodist Church recently recognized a need for a bike path when they noticed children in the neighborhood were riding their bikes on the church’s wheelchair ramps. The new bike path is a part of the church’s theme for their Vacation Bible School: “Ready, Set, Move.”
Terra Mitchell, director of the elementary children’s ministry at the church, commented on how the children riding their bikes on the church ramp are “our local kids.” This community focus applies not only to who the bike path serves, but also to how it was created, as the church invited families in the area to paint the new path.
The bike path has been designed to appear realistic, featuring painted details such as road markings and intersections, and actual street signs and stop signs. The bike path has been named Route 3:16, which is short for John 3:16. To celebrate the bike path’s completion, Maumee United Methodist church hosted a free kickoff event with live music, ice cream, and bike-related prizes.
For community members who were not involved with developing and designing the bike path but would like to contribute in some form, Maumee United Methodist is accepting bike, scooter, and helmet donations. Donated items will ensure that children at Small Beginnings Christian Preschool, affiliated with Maumee United Methodist Church, can also enjoy the new bike path, even though many parents and grandparents cannot transport their children’s bikes daily. To donate items for the bike path, email Small Beginnings at sbcpdirector@gmail.com.
To learn more about Maumee United Methodist Church, visit their website.
