East County's Brynlee Hiney, who is 5, has a hard time whenever she walks the Peaceful Path at Peace Presbyterian Church in Lakewood Ranch.
She loves the hike and all the fun things she can do along the free stroll. However, there is a rule that hikers can only pick one painted rock to take with them when they are finished.
"There are so many (pretty rocks) that I can't decide," she said.
Brynlee and her mom, Amanda Hiney, were on the path Oct. 21 after stopping at the church's pumpkin patch that was being offered that day along with some kids' games and a bounce house.
But they both love the trail the best.
"This is such a great community event," Amanda Hiney said. "They always change the art along here, and they always are adding more to it."
The Peaceful Path is open 365 days a year from dusk to dawn. Decorations along the path change depending on the season. The not-so-spooky Halloween decorations would be up through Oct 31.
The church is located at 12705 S.R. 64 E., Lakewood Ranch.
Amanda Hiney and her 5-year-old daughter Brynlee stopped along the path for a game of tic-tac-toe.
Photo by Jay Heater
One hiker spent a long time out on the Peaceful Path.
Photo by Jay Heater
At the end of the Peaceful Path is a labyrinth to test a child's concentration.
Photo by Jay Heater
Even the witches along the Peaceful Path are not scary.
Photo by Jay Heater
Painting rocks can be found all along the path. Children are urged to take one home and leave any others.
Photo by Jay Heater
It takes quiet a bit of wind to move these chimes around the Peaceful Path.
Photo by Jay Heater
While the Peaceful Path encourages some quiet enjoyment, lots of laughing can be heard during the Halloween season.
Photo by Jay Heater
The Peaceful Path is available to walk every day of the year but the season determines how the path is decorated.
Photo by Jay Heater
The sign in front of the path at Peace Presbyterian Church, 12705 S.R. 64 E., in Lakewood Ranch lets parents know that kids will enjoy a "G" rated walk.
Photo by Jay Heater
Through Halloween (Oct. 31) kids can stop along the Peaceful Path and play a tune.
Photo by Jay Heater
Temple Terrace 3-year-old Thea Stinson picks the perfect pumpkin during Peace Presbyterian Church's annual Pumpkin Patch event in Lakewood Ranch on Oct. 21.
Jay Heater is the managing editor of the East County Observer. Overall, he has been in the business more than 41 years, 26 spent at the Contra Costa Times in the San Francisco Bay area as a sportswriter covering college football and basketball, boxing and horse racing.
