AUBURN -- For 20 years, Ruth Sara Goldman was a fixture at the Cayuga Community College Nature Trail, walking and talking with the friends she made on the pathway, until she passed away from pancreatic cancer in 2007.

On Sunday, a day before Goldman would have turned 81, more than 25 of her friends and family members honored her title as the trail's unofficial steward and ensured she maintained a place of her own on the path by dedicating new exercise equipment in her memory.

"This was definitely one of her most favorite places as many of you know," said Ruth's oldest son, Jay Goldman, during the dedication ceremony. "The kitchen was first and maybe the back porch was a step ahead of this trail, but she spent a lot of time here."

During that time, Goldman said his mother walked and made new friends with the strangers who shared the trail with her.

Whenever his mother discovered trash or maintenance-related problems during her walks, Goldman said she always ensured the issues were addressed by the college in order to keep the facility clean and aesthetically pleasing.

When he commented on the importance of the dedication's date, Goldman began to tear up, prompting the group to sing "Happy Birthday."

"As many of you know, June 1 would have been my mother's birthday," Goldman said. "I guess it's fitting that we are doing this as a birthday present. I hope people use and continue to care about this nature trail."

Jeffrey Hoffman, executive director of the Cayuga Community College Foundation, said the Goldman family asked him almost a year ago if they could install new exercise equipment at the entrance to the park as a way to memorialize Ruth's service.

The equipment includes a park bench, a swing located next to the pond and a pull-up and dip station.

Hoffman said the dedication of the exercise equipment was a chance to recognize what the nature trail is really about.

"A dollar value tells us everything about this nature trail but its real value. Its real value is what you're witnessing today," said Hoffman, as he gestured to the onlookers.

Skaneateles resident Mike Connor, who was one of the Goldman's neighbors, said he believed the dedication was an accurate portrayal of Ruth's personality.

"I think it honors her active spirit," Connor said. "She was always outdoors and loved working out here. I think this was a great way to honor her."

As visitors filed away for a small luncheon at the nearby nature center, Goldman said their attendance reflected the impact his mother had on the community.

"I think she loved the beauty of the nature trail and the solitude of it," he said. "It was a chance for her to meet new people and as she continued to see them, to follow up on their lives -- and those are the people who are here today."