Getting active in the New Year is a common goal, so I’m not trailblazing with this idea. But 2025 is going to be a little different for me because my mom is relocating to Central Oregon in February. In my exploration of activities that I want to try or commit to doing more often, I am keeping her in mind as my buddy.

Seeing some of my favorite outdoor trails and spaces through a newcomer’s eyes will be great, and we have so many opportunities for various fitness levels. These trails are near her new home and are great in winter.

Pine Nursery Park Trail

Location: 63100 NE Purcell Blvd., Bend

Trail Length: 1.4 miles

Surface: Paved

Accessibility: Yes

Cleared of snow: Yes, when more than 2 inches

Pine Nursery Trail is a great loop trail any time of year, but especially in winter because east Bend tends to get less snow and Park Services staff regularly removes snow from its surface. Relatively level, the trail offers great views of the Cascades as it gently meanders through the park.

Larkspur Trail

Location: Northeast Bend

Trail Length: 1.8 miles

Surface: Paved and unpaved

Accessibility: Yes, some portions

Cleared of snow: Yes, when more than 2 inches

The Larkspur Trail extends between Pilot Butte State Scenic Viewpoint and Larkspur Park, passing through Pinewood Natural Area. Both Pilot Butte and Larkspur parks have ample parking and restroom facilities; Larkspur Park is also the site of the Larkspur Community Center and the Rotary Centennial All Children’s Playground. Add an additional mile by climbing the trail to the summit of Pilot Butte or proceed north from the park on pathways to Neff Road.

Alpenglow Park trails

Location: 61049 SE 15th St., Bend

Trail length: 2.2 miles

Surface: Paved and unpaved

Accessibility: Yes, when more than 2 inches

Better hurry: Two more weekends to hike Dry River Canyon before seasonal closure

Alpenglow Park has accessible pathways and trail connections, bringing recreation and transportation possibilities for a wide variety of users. There are 2.2 miles of accessible paved paths, including a 0.9-mile perimeter loop path. There are 1.3 miles of soft surface natural trail too.

Indoor walking and fitness activities

When my mom decided months ago to move to Bend, I immediately daydreamed about a weekly chat while walking laps at the Larkspur Community Center indoor walk/jog track around the fitness center. On dark, icy evenings, this is likely a better option for us to spend time together while also getting blood pumping. The track is 14 laps to a mile, which is plenty of time to catch up together.

January is also the time to apply for (or renew) a fitness pass through a health insurance-reimbursed fitness program. My mom is eligible for this benefit that is enjoyed by more than 5,000 more older adults in the community!

For 2025, the park district negotiated a low-cost or no-cost fitness pass for insurance-reimbursed fitness programs, including AARP Renew Active, Active & Fit Direct, Active & Fit Enterprise, Optum One Pass and Silver & Fit. Eligible programs include unlimited access to BPRD fitness centers, virtual classes, lap swimming and drop-in fitness classes, including water fitness classes and workout-on-your-own sessions at both Juniper Swim & Fitness Center and Larkspur Community Center.

Visit BPRD’s insurance-reimbursed passes webpage and complete the enrollment form. You can also get a form at our recreation facility front desks.

Curling at The Pavilion

Tapping into my mom’s competitive spirit may be a stretch, but I will give it a try! A few years ago, I joined our introduction to curling class on a Friday morning and might persuade my mom to try it with me again. The Friday sessions have expanded, and it is alongside a new Beginner Curling League, where there is an instructor on site to support the league and help each person hone their curling technique.

BPRD supplies stones, brooms and all necessary equipment. One person registers and pays on behalf of a team of four to six players — league play runs until Feb. 28.

Whether alone or with others, enjoy winter outdoors and indoors.