The Friends of Erie MetroParks will Kick-Off 2008 Go Take a Hike program at Osborn Park.  The group hike will begin promptly at 3:00 PM with the Kalahari Elephant greeting the hikers. The hike will explore the perimeter, the woods, and the meadows of Osborn Park with a special stop at the Erie MetroPark dog park. Hikes for all levels and abilities. Hiking Program:  Hike seven of eleven planned hikes in Erie MetroParks between Sept. 7 and Dec. 7 and receive a free Arkansas hiking stick.  Repeat hikers receive a 2008 leather medallion to attach to their hiking stick. Dogs earn a MetroPark bandana.  Get credit for 2 hikes on Sept. 7. Free activities include:  Bubble-Rama & other children’s activities, free hotdogs, Geocaching, greyhound demonstration, and sing along with Skunk Cabbage.   Hosted by the Friends of Erie MetroParks and Erie MetroParks. Community sponsors are Wal-Mart and Firelands Regional Medical Center. Osborn Park is located at 3910 Perkins Avenue. For more information call 419-625-7783 or www.eriemetroparks.org