Come get acquainted with Augusta’s nineteen parks: Go for a walk, play ball, picnic, sit by the river, study the flora and fauna, birds and wildlife, or go for a swim.

Our parks are a place to relax and rest, talk with people on the walking path or enjoy the quiet they have to offer. Accessible to all with benches, picnic tables and available facilities, our parks are a hidden jewel.

There are many public parks and privately owned parks with public access in the city, including the Kennebec River Rail Trail connecting Augusta, Hallowell, Farmingdale and Gardiner. The trail head is in downtown Augusta under the Memorial Bridge. From the west side rotary, go north following signs to downtown Augusta. Take the first right into the parking lot after the Hartford Fire station.

The East Side Boat Landing is one of my favorite places to go of all the parks in Augusta. Our capital, the birthplace to many people, is a wonderful location settled on the banks of the Kennebec River. Our Augusta leaders placed a value on public lands by creating many parks. Experiencing the beauty of our city gives comfort to us all.

Our parks are places to rest and relax our weary souls for a little while. The mighty Kennebec River is a life force constantly changing with the tide. The colors of the trees change with the seasons. The sun’s brilliance shines on the water, and rain washes everything clean. In the middle of the scenic beauty, the river holds a precious place for our families to play on the playground gym, to fish, to walk the paths to Fort Western or the Greenway Trail. Picnic tables and benches are there for lunch or an evening meal while watching the sturgeons jump, seagulls play, the sun going down and the moon rising, shining down on the moving water. The East Side Boat Landing, Mill Park and the Front Street Park are a few of Augusta’s beautiful places around the Kennebec River. Come visit and enjoy the view.

Other places to check out in Augusta:

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• Youth Memorial Park: pleasant grass areas and shade trees, tennis courts, a playground and picnic tables behind the former Buker School on Armory Street.

• Capital Park: Ball fields, a track, a playground in front of the YMCA building. From the west side rotary, go south, take a left at the second intersection onto Union Street.

• Gage Street Park: a playground where a family can bring lawn games to play.

• Cunningham Park: The park on the corner of Bridge and North streets has a playground, sprinkler, basketball court and benches.

• Front Street Park: From west side rotary, follow signs for Historic Downtown Augusta, take a right beside the 295 Water St. Post Office. The park has benches, picnic tables, a gazebo and a walking path beside the river.

• Mount Vernon Playground: From west side rotary, go north on Mount Vernon Avenue. The playground, pool, ball field, basketball court are located on the left.

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• Calumet Playground: A pool, tennis courts and basketball court are at the top of Sand Hill on Northern Avenue.

• Greenway Trail: a pleasant riverside walk from Fort Western to the Arsenal. From east side rotary, go east, take first left on Arsenal Street, turn right at Williams Street, take left on Howard Street. The path is south of the boat landing area following the river to the Arsenal building.

• East Side Boat Landing: docks, playground, picnic tables and benches, signage for fish and birds. From east side Rotary, go east, take first left on Arsenal Street, turn right on Williams Street, turn left on Howard Street.

• McCall’s playground: playground, pool, basketball court. From east side rotary, go south, take a left at the light signals on Eastern Avenue.

• Pleasant Hill: From east side rotary, go south and take a left at the light signals located two miles out on Eastern Avenue.

• Williams Playground: playground, pool, basketball court, sliding in winter. From east side rotary, go north on Bangor Street, go to light and turn right on Quimby Street.

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• Savage Park: wooded area with interconnecting trails to river, picnic tables, log amphitheater, including 1.5 acres of open lawn. From east side rotary, go north, cross Route 3 intersection at Riverside Drive to first driveway on the left.

• Bicentennial Park: Take Route 3 east a half mile past Weeks Mills Road. Wooded park with water access to Three Corner Pond. Picnic tables, barbecue grills, trails.

• Mill Park: located on the northern end of Water Street. Farmers Market, small and large dog fenced parks, kayak launch, petanque courts.

• Bond Brook Park: cross country ski and walking trails. From west side rotary, go north on Route 27 to Bond Brook Road. Entrance is on the left. Second entrance: From west side rotary go north on Route 27 and at first intersection turn left on to Winthrop Street. At the top of the hill on the right is the Mount Hope Cemetery. Go to the north end of the cemetery where there is a parking lot. The path into the park is on the left.

Other parks with public access:

• Capitol Park: walking trail, open lawns and memorials located in front of the State House.

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• University of Maine Augusta: nature and fitness trails with exercise stations.

• Viles Arboretum: visitor center, 5 miles of trails with sculptures on the property. Brochures and maps available. Farmers market on Fridays. From east side rotary, take the south exit on Route 27 through two sets of lights. The Arboretum is on the left.

• Augusta Nature Center: trails through woodlands and open areas. A brook runs through the land. Trails are located behind Cony High School, 60 Pierce Drive.

Roberta Record is an active Augusta resident as both a volunteer and a member of a couple of city committees. She is a commissioner on the Conservation Board and a committee member of Augusta Age Friendly. This is the eighth and final column from the committee on local efforts to make Augusta more age friendly.


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