Thanks to contributions from about forty individuals and organizations, the Washington County Council on Physical Fitness has established four marked walking/jogging trails in the park at a cost of $22,000.

B. Marie Byers, chairwoman of the council, says the walking trails were in the planning stage for about five years.

Stu Mullendore, the area businessman who designed the trails, says folks who enjoy walking or jogging for fitness will now have a way to measure their efforts on the easy-to-follow trails.

A new three-sided kiosk located across the bridge at the Virginia Avenue entrance to the park provides a color-coded map of the trails as well as information about each one.

Distance markers have also been embedded in the macadam paths at quarter mile intervals along each trail.

Also new in the park this year is a series of markers. known as wayside exhibits, that provide information about sites within the park. including the Washington County Museum of Fine Arts, the Mansion House and the Jonathan Hager House and Museum.

Here's a brief look at the new trails.

To download a walking trail map, click here.

Rohrer Walk

Distance: .25 miles.

Where: The walk circles the park´s small upper lake.

What you'll see: Want to walk on the wild(life) side? On a springtime stroll, this walk offers a view of the numerous waterfowl and their hatchlings that inhabit the upper lake's small island. In the mood for a refreshing snow cone? This walk also passes the concession stand.

History: The walk is named for Jacob Rohrer, the man who purchased City Park from Jonathan Hager. Rohrer, the second owner of what was then called "Hager's Fancy," made other acquisitions and his estate grew to more than 500 acres.

Heyser Walk

Distance: .66 miles

Where: The trail circles the park's large lower lake.

What you'll see: Pause for a moment on the Virginia Avenue side of the lake to take in one of the prettiest sites in Western Maryland - a panoramic view of the Washington County Museum of Fine Art overlooking the lake. The walk also provides an opportunity to view and feed the large population of swans, ducks and geese as well as the fish that cruise the lake.

History: In 1806 Jacob Rohrer sold 150 acres of land to William Heyser who later divided the land between his two sons. John H. Heyser for whom the walk is named, received the parcel which later became Hagerstown City Park. Heyser also built the Mansion House (which he called Cedar Lawn) in 1846.

Buys Walk

Distance: .24 miles

Where: The shortest of the trails, this walk makes a loop around the band shell and proceeds up a gradual incline to the Mansion House and down the shaded walkway back to the kiosk.

What you'll see: In spring, a portion of the walk provides a canopy of pink weeping cherry blossoms. For a look at how the younger set enjoys the park. the walk also passes by much of the park's playground equipment.

History: The walk is named for Dr. Peter Buys, conductor of the Hagerstown Municipal Band from 1920 to 1959. The band shell, built in 1960. is also dedicated to the memory of Buys and his musical contribution to Hagerstown.

Hager Walk

Distance: .75 miles

Where: Set apart from Hagerstown City Park by Key Street the walk circles the Hager House and Museum and then crosses the wooded meadow from Key Street to South Walnut Street.

What you'll see: Hager Walk provides a tranquil stroll through a rolling meadow. You might also want to stop by the Hager House and adjacent Museum for a tour. At the South Walnut Street entrance, there's a second trail marker that also shows a map of the walking trails.

History: This trail is named for Jonathan Hager who founded Hagerstown in 1762. City Park is located on a portion of "Hager's Fancy," Hager's original 200-acre land grant.