TIMES RECORD • August 24, 2022
The Maine State Park system is on track to break attendance records for a third consecutive year. Over 124,000 visitors spent a day at Popham State Park last month, up 110% from July 2021, according to the State Parks Public use report. There were about 1.8 million total visitors to Maine’s 48 state parks and historic sites from January through July, 3.9% more than through that same period in 2021. The trend extends beyond the state park system. Compared to pre-pandemic times, Brunswick-Topsham Land Trust has seen more traffic on its trails, conserved properties and water access points. Money is already set to flow to the State Parks system, thanks to a $50 million initiative launched by Gov. Janet Mills in June.