Back in February of 2020, mom hurt her left ankle trail running. It has taken some time, but we are back baby! We’ve been taking advantage of the cooler mornings while we have them, and we tried a brand-new path.
We’ve lived here seven years, and I have never once seen where mom works on Monday and Wednesdays. She leaves me and Mowgli in the morning to teach two classes and comes back for lunch. Now truth be told, I don’t want to attend her classes. I’ve heard how hard she works them, and I rather nap. You guys keep going, though!
Anyway, we parked at the Glendale Foothills Aquatic Center located at: 5600 W Union Hills Dr, Glendale, AZ 85308. If you are not a member, we encourage you to drive a little further down Union Hills Drive to Skunk Creek Linear Park. Should that lot be full, just down the street is a skate park.
The Glendale community center has great fitness classes taught by pros like my mom, all sorts of exercise equipment, racquet ball courts, yoga (mom also teaches that), and a big gym that offers basketball, volleyball, pickle ball and other classes. Since they are an aquatic center, you are right in assuming they have a pool! They offer aqua classes, swim times and lessons.
Besides all the health and wellness activities, they host special courses, classes and sporting events for the 
entire family. Take a look! They have something for everyone, and you will never find nicer people than those who come to the center.
Okay, back to our run. The Skunk Creek path is paved and is directly behind the center. If you started here and went to the right, it would only go about 1 ½ miles before you would need to cross the busy street. We opted to turn left as it goes on for a long while. Depending upon what you read, it goes 3 ½ miles or 8! It really depends upon where you connect with it as it goes to Peoria and Thunderbird.
The Saturday we chose to run was race day. Lots of folks were out running in honor of our military veterans. Thank you for your service! This meant they had markers out, which allowed us to track our run. Without those, you will need to time yourself or track mileage if you have that app on your phone.
The path is lovely! Shortly past the center, it goes by the Skunk Creek Linear Park and skate park. Restrooms reside here. Glendale did an excellent job providing scenery. The path is lined with all sorts of trees.
Since the path goes under roads and streets, you have overpass shade. Caution: We did see signs of homeless living there. Just be mindful of your surroundings so you don’t scare them or vice versa.
Pay attention to the over and under passes because some of them bring you to neighborhoods or streets. If you look ahead a bit, you’ll see whether it is the path or a turn off. It truly is a great option for walking, jogging, running, bicycling or roller blading, and we saw it all! Dogs are welcome on leash.
We went out just past the one-mile mark to make a total of 2.5 miles, but you can go as short or as long as you like. We felt safe, and I don’t think you would ever be alone. It’s right in the heart of neighborhoods and parks. Yet, it isn’t so busy that you feel like you are in the city. It’s a perfect blend.
I can’t believe we never did this before, but now we know. It’s a wonderful option that isn’t far away from us or anyone in the west valley. Give it a try and let me know what you think. Thanks to Rod and Louise Schultz for the tips and directions.
My mom, Lorraine Bossé-Smith, is kind enough to help me share my Great Adventures, big and small. My mom is a motivational speaker, corporate trainer, executive recruiter, business consultant, coach, fitness expert, and author of nine published books. More importantly, she’s the best doggy mom ever!
Enjoy my blog at https://www.lorrainebosse-smith.com/category/kuma/kumas-great-adventures/
and be sure to follow me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Kumathedog/ and Instagram: kumaitothedog
Get outside! You never know what you’ll discover, and our paths just might cross. Happy tails!
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