IDEAS FOR OUTDOOR EXERCISE (while staying safe)

As April begins, Maine is under a statewide Stay-at-Home order, restricting all but “essential personal activities.”  But the Governor’s direction is clear—we are allowed to go outside to exercise. That exception has been made because interaction with nature is essential to human health. So go for that walk, just be careful to maintain 6 feet of physical distance from other people and to avoid playgrounds, benches, picnic tables, and other equipment.

Try the Baxter Trail: Just last fall, the City of Portland opened the new Baxter Trail—a 2½ mile route  along city sidewalks, connecting four different parks. Starting at the parking lot of the Back Cove Trail and ending at Evergreen Cemetery, the route is well marked with signage, so you can start anywhere along the way. The walk features wonderful interpretive signs on the fascinating history of the Baxter family and the enormous impact they have had on our city. Take your family for a walking history lesson!

Parks are especially important right now

As Portland residents stay close to home, we can consider ourselves fortunate that almost every resident is within a 10-minute walk of their local park. That means there is plenty of opportunity to spread out and explore lesser known areas. Portland has 63 parks. For more information about how you can enjoy each one, visit our website for an interactive parks map.

Thank you for your interest and support of the Portland Parks Conservancy. Your investment is essential to the health of our community!