Portland, ME – Skiers and snowboarders from Mt. Abram, Shawnee Peak, and Sunday River will visit Portland’s Payson Hill Terrain Park this afternoon. Since Jan. 5, Wednesdays were designated “Wednesdays in the Park” to celebrate the Payson Hill Terrain Park and take advantage of early release day in the Portland School System.nPortland Recreation and Public Works spread snow on the hill in early January, opening up this popular winter hill to skiing, snowboarding, and sliding. Ample snowfall and cold temperatures has the Park in great shape for the school vacation week.

Today’s event celebrates the success of the park and promotes the fact that there will be skiing, snowboarding and sliding for several more weeks this winter.

According to Greg Sweetser, Executive Director of the Ski Maine Association, “This partnership with the city has been a natural match and promotes the great outdoor resources right here in Portland.”

During the six week period, ski areas have sent their ski and snowboard staff to Portland to provide tips to kids in the park. The ski areas also worked with the city staff to set up the elements, shovel snow, and shape the ramps to the rails.

In addition to skiers and riders from Maine ski areas, this afternoon will feature music, and free hot chocolate at the top of the hill. Outside TV will be filming the event and highlighting Portland as the host city to one of the very first Urban Terrain Parks in the U.S.