Mathews Outdoor Club outlines events, economic impact and Blueways kiosk project
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Summary
Christine Johnson told the Mathews County Board that the Mathews Outdoor Club runs four annual events and estimated $322,000 in local spending in 2025; the club plans to relaunch the Mathews Blueways Trails and install 17 informational kiosks, with high‑school shop class and local supplier support.
Christine Johnson, representing the Mathews Outdoor Club, updated the Board of Supervisors on the group’s activities and economic benchmarks on Nov. 20, 2025.
Johnson said the club runs four annual events — the Tour de Chesapeake, the Islander Regatta, the Wharf-to-Wharf Swim and the Mathews Marathon — and has added the regatta and swim in recent years. For 2025 the club estimated $322,000 in visitor spending based on a benchmark of $250 per participant per day; Johnson described that figure as conservative and intended to provide a baseline for year-to-year comparisons. She noted the Marathon was certified by USA Track & Field as a Boston-qualifying course, which she said should increase participation.
Johnson asked the board to maintain Economic Development Authority sponsorship and for supervisors to show up at events; she also described an active project to relaunch the Mathews Blueways Trails and install informational kiosks at 17 county-owned landings. The kiosks will be built by the high-school shop class with donated materials from a local supplier, and county staff were expected to assist with permitting and installation. She said marketing and outreach would follow installation to promote tourism and local spending.
Board members thanked Johnson and praised the events’ community and economic benefits; one supervisor noted family reunions and multi-state visitors at the marathon as evidence the estimate was conservative.
