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Maine State Parks promote Winter Recreation

THURSDAY, 16 FEBRUARY 2012


BPL recently launched the Maine State Parks Ski & Snowshoe Trailer, a new initiative to promote cross country skiing and snowshoe use at Maine state parks. The success of this project is an example of what can be accomplished when several groups work together to attain a goal.

The momentum for this project began when the Maine Outdoor Heritage Fund partially funded a grant application in the amount of $5,100; then Healthy Hometowns, a program of Maine Winter Sports Center, came on board and sold to the bureau 67 pair of cross country skis, bindings, boots and poles at a discount rate. Healthy Hometowns also provided two training sessions for BPL staff and volunteers. Wicked Joe Coffee Roasting Co. provided more than $4,000 in support of this project; and the icing on the cake came when L.L.Bean, our favorite Maine iconic retailer, very generously donated 44 pairs of snowshoes.

The result of this collaboration is a 12-foot-long, enclosed trailer that houses all the equipment and didn’t cost Maine taxpayers a penny. The trailer allows park staff to mobilize the equipment, and when the trailer arrives at a state park, they are ready to outfit more than110 people with winter recreation gear. The trailer has made several park appearances already and is a big success.

A special shout-out thanks goes out to L.L.Bean, Healthy Hometowns, Wicked Joe Coffee Roasting Co., Maine Outdoor Heritage Fund, Park Manager Bruce Farnham, Park Maintenance Coordinator Terence Donahue, Park Ranger Jason Cuthbertson, Assistant Regional Park Manager Gary Best and all the park staff who are helping to make this wonderful program such a success. Look for the new trailer at upcoming park events!

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