By Rusty Nixon Correspondent
PLYMOUTH – The grounds may not be quite as green but their activity is still blooming for the Plymouth Park Department as fall pushes its way into the city.
With the greatly anticipated return of the annual Haunted Grounds, there are other activities fully under way. There are several new ones related with the Greenways Trail.

The final fall event encompasses the Greenway Trail. Park Department Recreation Director Gina Young has hidden 30 pumpkins along the trail.  Visitors are encouraged to walk the trail and look for mini-real pumpkins in orange and white, but also some Styrofoam pumpkins. Each one has directions printed on the back.
“We still have some pumpkins hidden out along the trail,” said Young. “For anyone who finds one and brings it back into the park office there is a prize waiting.”
Young has also organized a walk on the trail twice a week. Monday and Thursday mornings at 9 a.m. walkers can join Young along the full 2.7 mile course.
“I heard that there were some people who had never been out on the trail yet,” said Young. “I decided that I’d make myself available to walk with anybody who wanted to take the opportunity to see how beautiful it is.”
Walkers meet at the Conservation Clubhouse.
The Haunted Grounds will descend on the Conservation Clubhouse and the Greenways Trail on Oct. 22. It promises as much Halloween fun for kids as ever with some new features as well.
“We’ll be doing face painting and have prizes for the best costumes,” said Young. “Kids will be able to get their picture taken with Frankenstein and his Bride if they like.”
Of course the Boy Scouts will return with the popular “Pumpkin Bowling” and Senter Stage Dance Studio will perform at the event. Hayrides will be available and the Girl Scouts will be helping with this year’s “Haunted Trail” with ghoulish features along the Greenway’s Trail.
The straw maze returns for the children.
“We’re going to give the kids glow sticks for the maze this year and have plenty of supervision,” said Young. “We want the kids to feel safe.”
“This is the first year I’ve done this and the pleasant surprise is that anybody I’ve asked has jumped on board to help. I don’t know why that should surprise me. This community just seems to be totally behind all the activities available for their kids.”
The Haunted Grounds open at 6 p.m. and close at 8:30 p.m. on Oct. 22.