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BY NANCY McGINNIS 07/15/2008

WINTHROP — Like many small towns, Winthrop, Maine, is a friendly and rewarding place to explore on foot. Whether you're a longtime resident or a visitor for the day, a stroll is an impromptu way to gather material for a community portrait.

There are interesting signs of Winthrop's past, present and future to be found if you take the time to look for them. Walk at your own pace — there are places to sit and rest a moment, and opportunities to purchase a drink or a snack if you're so inclined.

It's also fun to go, if you can, with a local who knows the stories to go with the sights. Winthrop resident Margy Knight was my informal guide on a walking tour to the following places and more on a recent summer day.

A good starting point is downtown, at the Winthrop Grade and Middle schools and Town Hall complex on Highland Avenue. In front of the school building is Reflections From Nature, a tower created in 1989-'90 by sculptor Ron Cross, assisted by more than two dozen high school students and community volunteers, and Winthrop art teachers Mary Dyer and Keith Leavitt.

The multi-paneled tower was suffering the signs of almost two decades of weathering and wear when a new group of volunteers, guided by now retired Leavitt, cleaned, oiled and polished each section. The newly restored "Reflections" gleams again.

Nearby is the Winthrop Grade School's Alphabet Garden — an oasis in bloom with one planting to represent every letter of the alphabet. Created (and proudly signed) by members of the second grade class in 2006, an accompanying plaque serves as a legend and also acknowledges the community partnership that made the Alphabet Garden possible.

Behind the school, fans and family cheer the teams playing on the town ball field dedicated to the first hometown soldier to die in combat during World War II. Alfred W. Maxwell Jr. lost his life serving in the Marines in Guadalcanal in 1942. A plaque now stands at the edge of the Memorial Field dedicated in his name.

Walking north toward Main Street, past the tennis courts, Rec Department and Winthrop Ambulance Service base, there is a large Civil War-era statue erected in front of the former Towle Academy (currently serving as home to the Winthrop Police Department and Emergency Dispatch).

The town of Winthrop has become known for its colorful community murals, now numbering eight. Hundreds of residents of all ages contributed to their creation. Together they tell the story of the community as it is now and also through history, showcasing those who work, play and live here. On the side of the FairPoint Communications building, "Windows Through Winthrop," the second mural to be completed, offers imaginary glimpses of local residents' lives.

As soon as you cross Main and turn onto Bowdoin Street, the blue waters of Maranacook Lake will be visible. Continue past the public library, a handsome granite building that is almost a century old, given to the town by industrialist Charles M. Bailey.

In the next block is the Memorial Garden, an inviting, shady spot maintained by the Roberts Funeral Home, and open to the public for quiet rest and reflection.

Norcross Point is just moments away, offering sweeping views and lake breezes. The gazebo is the site of seasonal outdoor entertainment; benches and picnic tables await, and additional handsome stone benches have just recently been donated by the Cole Transportation Museum as a public tribute to Winthrop veterans. A pair of murals delights the eye with views of Winthrop in its seasonal glory. While it is the bustling scene of the big foot race and later, fireworks over the lake on the Fourth of July, Norcross Point is a lovely destination any day.

The public boat launch also boasts a boat wash, courtesy of L.L. Bean, with information about the dangers of milfoil and other invasive enemies.

The Cobbossee Watershed District and the Friends of the Cobbossee Watershed continue to partner with individuals and entities to ensure that Winthrop area lakes and ponds remain as clean and healthy as possible. Local youngsters have even participated in a naming contest to christen the town's street sweeper, which is at least partially credited for Winthrop's cleaner waters since it was put into use five years ago.

And the winning name? "Dusty" is now emblazoned on the front of the sweeper, which has been featured in the Winthrop holiday parade. When he's not busy keeping Winthrop clean, Dusty can be spotted at the public works garage.

If you are up for walking a bit more, another community mural awaits along the wall of Dave's Appliance, on Central Street near the train tracks. Appropriately, this scene pays tribute to the railroad and its impact on Winthrop. Again, artists young and old, with all levels of experience, contributed.

If you're looking for an easy, enjoyable, no cost change of pace for an hour or a day this summer, the answer lies at your feet. Take your own walk in Winthrop to discover or rediscover this central Maine community.

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