Webinar – Trails as Social Infrastructure: Practical Strategies to Build Connection in a Disconnected World
This webinar explored the growing social connection crisis in North America and positioned trails as critical social infrastructure, not just transportation or recreation assets. Speakers from Rails to Trails Conservancy, the U.S. Chamber of Connection, and Toronto’s Bentway shared research, real-world examples, and strategies showing how thoughtfully designed and programmed trails can rebuild trust, belonging, and well-being. The conversation emphasized practical actions trail leaders can take to intentionally foster connection, play, and community health through their spaces.
Takeaway 1: Treat Trails as Social Infrastructure
- Reframe trails as spaces for connection, not just recreation or transportation.
- Acknowledge disconnection as a public health and civic challenge trails can help address.
- Design for belonging by supporting repeated, informal interactions.
Takeaway 2: Program for Play and Participation
- Prioritize play through regular group activities like walking, skating, or yoga.
- Encourage interaction using seating, art, name tags, and small-group formats.
- Embrace seasonality with year-round programming that leans into local conditions.
Takeaway 3: Support Organizers and Prove Impact
- Partner with community builders who already convene people around activities.
- Reduce barriers by offering space, promotion, and small funding support.
- Measure connection to demonstrate value and unlock future resources.
Resources
Chamber of Connection: https://www.chamberofconnection.org/
Explore the Six Points of Connection 2026 report: https://www.chamberofconnection.org/the-six-points-of-connection-2026
Learn more about the Connected Cities Summit, Oct 15-16, 2026, in Seattle, WA: https://www.chamberofconnection.org/connected-cities-summit
Learn more about the Bentway: https://thebentway.ca/
Read the report, Rx for Social Connection: https://thebentway.ca/publication/rx-for-social-connection/
Check out Mammalian Diving Reflex: https://mammalian.ca/
RTC’s TrailNation Collaborative, Trail Development and Policy teams produce a free webinar series designed to help trail professionals build, grow, manage, maintain, promote or otherwise support trails and trail networks. Sign up here to get webinar alerts.
Have a comment or question on our webinar series? Contact us below with topic or speaker ideas. We appreciate your feedback! Email us.
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