Valley Forge Educational Services will mark the completion of new fitness trail and exercise stations with a grand opening Thursday, November 5, behind The Vanguard Middle and High School on the organization’s 28-acre Malvern campus.

The event will feature motivational remarks, donor acknowledgements and an inaugural walk led by The Vanguard School students along with staff on the one-third mile scenic trail. The trail features three exercise stations for flexibility, aerobic and strength training, which will be introduced during the grand opening. Tucked away along the beautiful tree-lined field, the trail’s serene outdoor location offers great motivation for fresh air and exercise.

Multiple members of the VFES community (including trail visionary Thomas Smith, Assistant Director of The Vanguard School), worked hard for many years to make the trail a reality. VFES has been focused on improving the health and fitness of the children and young adults they serve, knowing that health struggles are a real problem for children with special needs.  Many  students with special needs are challenged with motor-planning, and coordination difficulties as well as other factors relating to their exceptionalities – such as taking a prescribed medication or having very particular food preferences – which makes it even more difficult to enjoy an active lifestyle and maintain a healthy weight.  The fitness trail will be an integral addition to the VFES health and wellness curriculum; which includes a daily classroom-movement initiative, a flourishing school vegetable garden and an innovative culinary arts and food service programs focused on good nutrition.