PORTLAND -- While Maine's mountains and lakes have long attracted winter sports lovers, Portland is gaining its own reputation as a destination for low-key winter recreation.

The attractions include a newly renovated skating rink at the Riverside Municipal Golf Course.

There is new ice clearing equipment in use at skating areas throughout the city. Snowboarding rails have been expanded at Payson Park and Riverside, thanks to a donation of used equipment by the Sunday River ski area. And the lights stay on at the Deering Oaks and Riverside skating rinks until 10 p.m.

It's all proving to be a draw for Portland residents and outsiders alike.

"We have a number of hills out there that are an ideal destination for sledding and snowboarding," said Tom Civiello, assistant director of Portland's Parks and Recreation Department.

On Friday, the Riverside golf course was sprinkled with sledders and cross country skiers. Liz Stamey of Westbrook started her morning with a brisk walk on snowshoes. By mid-morning, she was cross-country skiing across the golf course.

Stamey, who is spending her first winter in Maine after moving here from Houston, said she skis the golf course about once a week because it is conveniently close to home but seems remote.

"It is really gorgeous out here," she said.

Stamey is one of those who wish that winter would never end. They are the Mainers who say they're just getting warmed up weeks after the novelty of fresh snow wears off for others.

"No, no, no we never get sick of it," said Fran Mullin, executive director of Winter Kids, which promotes winter sports for children. This year, 5,000 fifth-, sixth- and seventh-graders have used passes that let them use 53 winter recreation areas for free or at reduced prices through Winter Kids.

At Riverside, Katie Downey and Dawn Flaherty of Falmouth trailed their children, who bounded ahead through the crusty snow with their sleds.

Downey said her two children spend their weekends skiing, ice skating and sledding. "They are hardy," she said.

Some Portland parents say they appreciate the fact that there are skating rinks and sledding spots within walking distance for most children in the city.

"In my neighborhood, Deering, my kids can walk to skating, skiing and sledding," said David Burke of Leonard Street.

Burke often finds himself at Riverside with his sons, Raymond, 15, and Henry, 10. He waits in the warmth of the adjacent Bogey's Bar and Grill, which has started staying open as long are there is business, which can be as late as 10 or 11 p.m.

"I can tell you, having my kids take a few more runs while I watch the evening arrive with a drink of choice is a nice afternoon," said Burke.

Bogey's manager, Rick Petillo, said the late hours have worked out well. "There's a lot of hot chocolate and hot dogs going out the door."