A lesser-known state park in southern Maine is experiencing a resurgence of public interest, which will be highlighted next week with its first “Take It Outside” Family Fun Day.
Vaughan Woods State Park, a 250-acre park consisting of forest hiking trails along the Salmon Falls River, will be the site of a special family outdoor-recreation event on Saturday, March 13.
What makes the event unique among the numerous park activities being held during this 75th anniversary year of Maine state parks, however, is the collaboration between the park and the four towns surrounding it.
The event is being organized not only by the Maine Bureau of Parks and Lands, but also by the town recreation departments for South Berwick, where the park is located, Berwick, North Berwick and Eliot, according to Park Manager Glenn Dochtermann.
“Everyone is very excited,” Dochtermann said. “I see so much interest. This is helping to put an emphasis on outdoor recreation. People are rediscovering Vaughan Woods and are appreciative of all that it has to offer.”
The details of the “Take It Outside” Family Fun Day are:
- 10 a.m.-3 p.m., Saturday, March 13, at Vaughan Woods State Park, South Berwick; admission is $1 for adults, ages 12-64; children and seniors, free; lunch is provided; for more information, call: (207) 384-5160.
“Take It Outside” is an initiative started by Gov. John Baldacci to encourage children and families to experience outdoor recreation for health and relaxation. While a number of state parks are holding TIO events this year, the March 13 event is the first of its kind to be held at Vaughan Woods, Dochtermann said.
Opened in 1961 with a gift of land from the local Vaughan family, the park is particularly known for its beautiful, large, secondary-growth white pines – the Maine state tree – found in a pristine setting, the park manager said. Several miles of good inter-looping trails, some of which go along the river, provide nice hikes and great views, he said. Bald eagles, turkey and deer are some of the wildlife that may be encountered.
Saturday’s event is expected to draw numerous visitors to the park, Dochtermann said, adding that he expected as many as 300 people to show up for all the activities. “This is a special one,” he said about the Family Fun Day, “and we think it’s going to be pretty big.”
The various town rec departments have been in constant contact and adding to the activities, the park manager said. “One of them is even bringing a popcorn machine,” he said.
While there may be a dearth of snow, there will be no dearth of fun, Dochtermann continued. The rec departments will have numerous outdoor games set up; there will be a maple-sugaring demonstration; snowshoeing, if there is some snow; and a bonfire and a cook-out lunch of hamburgers and hot dogs.
A fly-fishing demonstration will be presented by a local registered Maine Guide, and there also will be an outdoor survival demonstration. Healthy Maine Partnerships will conduct a “storybook walk” for youngsters. In addition, representatives from the Hamilton House, a National Historic Landmark in South Berwick, will have a table display with information. Visitors also will have fun making s’mores and quesadillas after lunch.
Of special interest will be the wildlife demonstration made by the Center for Wildlife at Cape Neddick. Dochtermann said that center representatives will bring turtles, a raptor and other creatures for a special program starting at 1 p.m. Visitors will be able to learn about how animals, particularly predators, adapt in nature, he said.
About 20 volunteers will be participating in the TIO event, some even coming from nearby New Hampshire, the park manager said. Dochtermann expressed appreciation for all their support in making the Family Fun Day possible. He also thanked the event’s sponsors, which include the four towns, Hannaford, Poland Spring Water and Wicked Joe Coffee.
Dochtermann pointed out that not only has there been resurgence in visitors and volunteers at the park, but he also is receiving town support for three grants to improve recreational opportunities at Vaughan Woods. The park manager said he currently is working on grants to purchase equipment to demonstrate the maple-sugaring process; for the purchase of snow shoes to lend to visitors; and for the construction of an exercise warm-up station near the park trails.
“Everyone is really enthused about what’s going on at Vaughan Woods,” Dochtermann said. “Interest has grown to show that this state park is something valued and needed in the area.”
For more information, go to: http://www.parksandlands.com
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