I visited Lake Park, part of Quinsigamond State Park, on a hot summer Friday afternoon. Located at 283 Lake Avenue in Worcester, this urban park is across the street from Buffone Skating Arena, with tennis courts visible from the road which you will pass on your right as you pull into the parking lot. There are several accessible parking spots here: 2 in front of the tennis courts, 4 across from the trailhead, and 4 more by the swim beach. I was inspired to visit Lake Park after hearing there was a one-way trail loop system implemented in an effort to reduce contact with other trail users and promote social distancing while still being active outdoors. You may also want to visit nearby Regatta Point at 10 N. Lake Ave. for views of Lake Quinsigamond. Both locations constitute Quinsigamond State Park.
The trailhead from the main entrance at Lake Park is indicated with an orange cone and located to the left of the bathroom building, which is open. There are brightly yellow painted “ONE WAY” pavement markings to direct the flow of foot traffic. These markings are visible throughout the entirety of the trail and at each trailhead/upon each entry point of the trail (as there are several throughout the park). The trail is mostly flat and about 1.25 miles in length. I did notice a small section, located after crossing the first street along the path, had a bit of a steep incline, but I observed two power chair users traverse this section easily.
The trail is approximately 9 feet wide. There are 5 benches and 2 picnic tables along this accessible path if visitors want to stop for a rest along the way. It loops all the way around the fenced in football field with the DCR logo in the center of the field! Part of the trail runs parallel to Lake Avenue so noise from traffic will be within earshot for a portion of the outing. However, I was pleasantly surprised at how quiet much of the trail turned out to be and the jovial sounds of birds chirping as I got further into the wooded areas along Lake Quinsigamond. There are some sections that have a fence between the trail and the road and other areas that do not. The trail loops down by a pavilion and eventually brings you back to the parking lot. The bathrooms/changing rooms at this location are open to the public.
There is a swim beach area here with a floating beach wheelchair available for use. It’s important to note that there are 3 steep steps down from the pavement by the sand to the water. If you plan to use the floating beach wheelchair at Lake Park, please check out our website for more information prior to your visit and plan to come with 1-2 other people.
DCR (Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation) advocates for people to stay close to home and visit parks within walking distance or a short drive. If you plan to venture further afield, as well as on any outing, please protect yourself and others. In addition to following safe practices outlined by the CDC and Massachusetts Department of Public Health, please be sure to follow these additional DCR guidelines for safe park visiting:
- Minimize outdoor recreational time to limit potential exposure to COVID-19;
- Stay within solitary or small groups, and avoid gatherings of ten or more people;
- Practice social distancing of at least six feet between individuals;
- Administer healthy personal hygiene, such as handwashing for at least 20 seconds;
- Participate in only non-contact recreational activities;
- Leave a park or area should large gatherings begin to build; and,
- Stay home if ill, over 70, and/or part of a vulnerable population
No comments:
Post a Comment