New programs and trail systems part of park's expansion plan

New interpretive programs and an expansion of the trails system at the Roosevelt Campobello International Park have begun as part of a five‑year plan to develop new and wider visitor experiences. The park has over 2,800 acres under its wings, not to mention six historic "cottages" that offer glimpses into the life of United States President Franklin Delano Roosevelt and first lady Eleanor Roosevelt, as well as the late 19th and early 20th century "rusticating" habits of the wealthy.
"As the FDR generation gets older, people are coming for different reasons. People more and more are coming for the outdoors and natural beauty," explains Kate Johnston, manager of marketing and visitor services at the park. The president and first lady will always remain relevant, she adds, and the park itself is a symbol of a "pretty amazing friendship" between two countries.
"The park has focused very well on the historical impact of the [Roosevelt] cottage," Johnston says, adding, "The new tours help people connect to the land and its historic nature." For instance, she notes, two pilot programs launched in the 2018 season were received very well. The first is a guided hike to Friar's Head, one of Franklin Roosevelt's favorite hikes. The second is an evening tour of the FDR cottage that features a martini based on Roosevelt's favorite cocktail recipe and an evening feast. "It sold out," she says with a smile.
Another new tour that will appeal to garden enthusiasts is the flower tour. The park's swaths of colorful dahlias are well known, but there are more gardens and plantings worthy of note. The park is right in line with national trends. The National Gardening Association shows that in 2017 one in three U.S. households participated in either their own or a community garden, and Canadians were at an even higher rate, with 57% reported by Statistics Canada to have grown flowers, herbs or food for their own use.
The FUN (Fantastic, Unbelievable and Not Ordinary) tour has also proved successful in its trial runs. Behind-the-scenes tours of cottages, little known facts and "scandalous" secrets are shared by guides, as well as hands‑on adventures.
The park has a network of carriage roads first put in place by the island's wealthy summer residents. Since then hiking trails have been added. The 20‑mile trail system will be expanded to include more hiking and new biking trails. Accessibility for those with mobility issues continues to be a priority. "The park is very proud of its infrastructure. The carriage roads are accessible by most vehicles, and the main scenic overlooks are all wheelchair accessible. They allow for the enjoyment of the beautiful Bay of Fundy scenery," Johnston says. Self‑guided tours for trail‑system exploration include maps with information on unique bogs and geological formations, birding sites and more. The funding for the five‑year Natural Area Improvement Plan will be drawn from the park's existing capital budget.
If visitors are inclined to follow the first lady's routines, Tea with Eleanor is a popular program served at 11 a.m. during the "open tea" or at 3 p.m. during the reservation-required tea. Both are held at the park's Wells‑Shober Cottage. The program has proved so popular that seats are generally filled to capacity during the high season, and the program itself is one that the park presents as part of its traveling educational outreach. Tea with Eleanor is enjoyed every year by a number of Maine school students, and soon cruise ship passengers will share the enjoyable experience at the

Algonquin in St. Andrews.
For those with lunch on their minds, the park opened its new restaurant, the Prince Cafe, in 2018 at the 1920s Prince Cottage, next door to the FDR cottage. It was formerly the park's conference centre, but Johnston explains that the park's previous restaurant site at the Adams Lodge was far more suited to conference activities because of its large size. The swap made perfect sense, and the response to both "has been wonderful." Light breakfasts, coffee for the caffeine deprived and lunches have proved a hit with visitors. Johnston adds happily, "We'll be continuing as the same model next year."
The park's Visitor Centre, a separate facility located on‑island right after crossing through the Canada Border Services Agency office, is full of information about the resources available at the park and gives a comprehensive breakdown of the park's five‑year plans for visitors to look at. The centre has much more to offer besides the nitty‑gritty of trails and plans, with a historical birchbark canoe on display that was made by Tomah Joseph, a Passamaquoddy elder and artist and friend to the Roosevelts. Shows by regional artists are often featured on the walls of the centre as yet another way to understand the region.
For more information about the park and its many resources, visit <www.fdr.net>.