AUGUSTA

Bond Brook Recreation

With 270 acres, there’s plenty of space for mountain biking, hiking and just taking a relaxing walk with Fido. In winter, the 3-mile Bond Brook Trail loop transforms into a cross-country skier’s playground. The preserved native habitat also makes the area great for birding, just minutes from the state capitol.

Location: 21-25 Bond Brook Road

Capitol Park

This 20-acre park is located between the State House and the Kennebec River. Established in 1827, the site features rows of deciduous trees, benches, a paved path and plenty of open grass for sports and events. It’s the perfect spot from which to gaze at the Capitol building and was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1989.

Location: Between Capitol Street and Union Street

East Side Boat Landing & Waterfront Park

This spot is busy in the summer months when paddlers use the launch to get out on the Kennebec. The 2.74-acre park offers great views of the river, including both the Memorial and Calumet bridges. The city has for years hosted free summer concerts at Waterfront Park.

Location: Howard Street

Market Square Park

Located in the heart of downtown Augusta, this small spot of green space is a place to sit and take a break after hitting the shops and eateries along Water Street. Do your people-watching from a bench on the paved walkway or from the grass.

Location: 296 Water St.

Mill Park

There’s plenty of space in these 18 acres to do what you do: visit the farmers’ market, listen to music, catch the fireworks or check out the pétanque court. If you settle in for an afternoon at this spot, you’re close to both the Kennebec River and Augusta Dog Park. Bonus: Plenty of parking.

Location: Route 104 near Canal Street

Williams Park & Skate Park

This 4.76-acre park is the place to take the family with an outdoor pool, a playground, two basketball courts and, of course, the skate park. Bring chairs and settle in on the grass while the kids tired themselves out.

Location: 59 Bangor St.

WATERVILLE

North Street Recreation Area

There’s a little something for everyone at this rec area along Messalonskee Stream. There’s open space, a short tree-covered walking trail and an area for paddlers to put in their boats. There’s also a playground for the kiddos, tennis and basketball courts for the athletes and the adjacent Alfond Municipal Pool complex for those hot summer days.

Location: North Street and Roosevelt Avenue

Quarry Road Recreation Area

The Quarry Road Recreation Area in Waterville boasts miles of trails year-round for activities such as cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, walking/running, biking, and more. Located on some 200 acres at the end of Quarry Road, which is located off North Street, the rec area and trails are owned by the city of Waterville and managed by Waterville’s Parks & Recreation Department.

Location: Quarry Road, off North Street

Veterans’ Memorial Park

With 1.5 acres of space, it’s a good spot to get out for a walk just minutes away from busy Main Street. The park features a monument for all military veterans, plus a marker for World Wat I vets and a Civil War memorial. Bring a book and take a seat on one of the benches or spread a blanket for an outdoor lunch.

Location: Corner of Park & Elm streets

Castonguay Square

Located next to City Hall in the heart of downtown Waterville, the square is used as a park, concert space and venue for small gatherings. Mostly open space, the park named for the first person from Waterville to die in World World I is marked with a plaque on a large rock. In spring and summer, the walkway leading to City Hall features plenty of greenery and colorful flowers.

Location: Common Street

Head of Falls

The RiverWalk, featuring a 900-foot boardwalk along the Kennebec River, a gazebo, children’s interactive play area, art installations and an amphitheater, was dedicated in 2018. Since then, the park near the Two Cent Bridge has hosted a variety events including the annual Taste of Waterville. It’s a busy spot, with an adjacent parking lot used for the farmer’s market, which makes it a great place to relax and people watch.

Location: Front Street

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