Phoebe Sumter officially opened the Mattie H. Marshall Cross Country Trail during a ribbon-cutting ceremony Tuesday afternoon.  The trail includes a quarter-mile paved loop and a one-mile unpaved loop through a wooded area on the west side of the Phoebe Sumter campus.  The trail’s purpose is to promote a healthy lifestyle by providing a natural community walking path and a location for cross-country races.
 
“We are blessed to have a beautiful campus that is such an important part of our community,” said Brandi Lunneborg, Phoebe Sumter CEO.  “Our dedicated team at Phoebe Sumter is always here to provide quality healthcare when people need it, but we also want to help them stay healthy and well.  One way we can do that is to encourage folks throughout the community to exercise, and we now have a wonderful place right here at Phoebe Sumter where we welcome people to come for a jog or a leisurely walk.”
 
The trail includes five exercise/stretch stations and four benches, as well a Zen garden rock sculpture created by artist Jeff Williams.  There are also bathrooms and bleachers adjacent to a parking area on the west side of the trail off Odom Rd. to host large events.  The entire project was funded by donations to the Phoebe Sumter Foundation, including a cornerstone gift from the Mattie H. Marshall Foundation.
 
“Philanthropic giving is so important to Phoebe Sumter.  Our generous donors play an incredibly vital role in our mission and help us serve the people in and around Sumter County well,” said Katherine Rigsby, Phoebe Sumter Foundation Director.  “This project only came to life because of the generosity of the Mattie H. Marshall Foundation, Phoebe Sumter employees and others, and we appreciate their altruism.”
 
The public is encouraged to utilize the trail for personal fitness.  Access to the quarter-mile loop is on the east side of the trail near the Phoebe Sumter visitor parking lot.  The entrance to the mile loop is adjacent to the new trail parking lot off Odom Rd. or from the quarter-mile loop.  To schedule an event, please contact Phoebe Sumter at (229) 931-1280.