Walk In the Park Summer 2019

Join Portland Parks, Recreation and Facilities Department for "A Walk In The Park", a monthly series of walks and talks in Portland's Parks.  Park Historians, Naturalists, and Park Staff will lead a series of lectures, walks and bike rides in Portland's Parks and Open Spaces to share the rich history and significance of these urban green spaces. 

There is no registration fee for these programs, but space is limited, so register online here. 

April

Topic: Bus Tour of Monuments and Statues of Portland, Maine

Time and Date: Saturday, April 27, 2019 from 10:00 am -- 12:30 pm

Presenters: Jeff Tarling, City Arborist, and Jill Mulkern, Lead Park Ranger

Location: Meet and board the bus at Parks and Recreation Headquarters, 212 Canco Road, Portland, Maine

Description: Hop on the Parks and Rec bus and take a tour of Portland monuments, statues and memorials. Want to learn about that statue you drive by on the way to work everyday? Ever wondered who the people are that have been permanently memorialized in our parks and public spaces?  Come join our Department historian Jeff Tarling, and Park Ranger Jill Mulkern for this informative tour through Portland’s history and public spaces.

Registration limited to 13. 

REGISTER HERE

June

Topic: Forest City Trail Hike (co-sponsored by Portland Trails)

Time and Date: Saturday, June 1, 2019 at 8:00 am 

Hike Leaders: Tom Jewell and Kara Wooldrick of Portland Trails and Ethan Hipple, Deputy Director, Portland Parks, Recreation and Facilities

Location: Stroudwater River Trail, begin at Blueberry Road Trailhead (on Congress Street past I-95 overpass)

Description: Walk the 10 mile Forest City Trail, all on trails within Portland city limits. See two waterfalls, woods, wetlands, and urban sanctuaries. Walk on trails, through school grounds, historic cemeteries and sidewalks to complete this route full of hidden gems in plain view. Learn about current Portland Trails and Portland Parks projects. 

Registration through Portland Trails: www.trails.org

August: 

Topic: Slow-Ride Bike Through Portland Parks History 

Time and Date: Sunday, August 18, 2019 from 9:00 am -- 2:00 pm 

Presenters: Jeff Tarling,City Arborist; Ethan Hipple, Deputy Director Parks, Rec and Facilities, Jill Mulkern, Lead Park Ranger, Samara Ray, Naturalist Programmer, Matt Coleman, Park Manager

Location: Start at Payson Park Little League Fields Parking Lot for a 9-mile bike loop through Baxter Boulevard, Eastern Prom, Lincoln Park, Western Prom, Deering Oaks

Description: Join Portland Parks Division staff for a 9-mile slow-ride bike loop through Portland Park History. Bring your own bike and meet the group at Payson Park Little League parking lot. Explore the history and political intrigue behind Baxter Boulevard, Back Cove Trail, Eastern Prom, Western Prom and Deering Oaks parks, all while biking along Portland’s world-class multi-use paths and bike lanes. Will include some sections in traffic, must feel comfortable riding a bike in a large group. Bike-confident kids welcome with parental supervision. Bring a lunch for a picnic along the way. 

Registration limited to 20. 

REGISTER HERE

September

Topic: Portland Big Tree Bus Tour

Time and Date: Thursday, September 19, 2019 from 4:00 pm - 6:30 pm

Presenters: Jeff Tarling, Portland City Arborist and Jill Mulkern, Portland Park Ranger, Matt Coleman, Park Manager

Location: Meet at Parks and Recreation Headquarters at 212 Canco Road, Portland, Maine

Description: Join Portland Arborist Jeff Tarling for a bus tour of Portland’s biggest and most significant trees--some over 250 years old. Hop on the bus with Jeff and you will visit “Verizon Pines”, Barron Center, Baxter Woods and Deering Oaks, as well as some hidden gems.. 

Registration limited to 13. 

REGISTER HERE