WILMINGTON — The public is invited to enjoy WinterPlace, a new winter recreation area set up with an entrance at Hayford Field. WinterPlace, funded by a grant from AARP Vermont, is administered by Wilmington Works and executed by community volunteers.
Parking is available at the Old Twin Valley High School parking lot. Whenever there is sufficient snow, volunteers will stomp out short and long tracks that can be used for cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, or walking.
At all times, users are encouraged to get creative with using the park. (Some ideas include making snow sculptures or snow people, stomping out mazes or designs in the snow, adding illustrations and thoughts to the community chalkboard.)
In addition, the park is stocked with some shared equipment. Look in the baseball dugouts for clothing for dressing snow people, as well as for balls, snowshoes, and sleds. More items will be added this winter.
Visitors are asked to help keep the park tidy by putting away any equipment when they are done (“with the exception of snow people, who can keep their garments on until they melt,” organizers pointed out in a news release).
Lights will be turned on (weather permitting) on Thursdays, from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. Check the Wilmington Works Facebook page for updates and recommended Thursday night activities, which will change according to the weather.
Dog walkers are welcome, with a new dog-waste facility to help clean up after pets. Visitors are asked to keep dogs under control when others are present.
All users are reminded to wear a facial covering whenever in the presence of others not in their immediate family group and when using shared equipment. Users also must maintain a distance of 6 feet from others whenever possible.
If you have suggestions for activities at the park, or equipment you'd like to donate, contact Wilmington Works at wilmingtonworks@gmail.com or 802-234-1433.
Other Wilmington area winter activities
For more ideas on getting active this winter, consider signing up to the Winter Hike 100 group, which you can access via the Wings Community Programs website.
Hike 100 activities will tie into WinterPlace all winter long.