When The Mall Closed, Enfield Found A New Place To Walk Indoors

ENFIELD, CT — With the recent closure of Enfield Square Mall leaving a gap in accessible community gathering and activity space, the Enfield Recreation Department is offering a new indoor walking program as a way for residents to stay active and connected through the winter months.

The free indoor walking program will be held at the Enfield Annex Gymnasium three days a week — Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays — from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. The structured schedule is designed to give residents a reliable, weather-proof place to walk, socialize, and get light exercise now that a major local indoor destination is no longer open.

Organizers say the program begins Feb. 9 and will run through Friday, May 22. Participants must pre-register online and are required to carry identification while walking. To protect the gym floor during winter conditions, walkers should wear outdoor shoes or boots to the building and change into clean walking sneakers once inside; this helps reduce salt, sand, and snow being tracked into the facility.

The full gym will be open for walkers, with 15 laps around the perimeter equaling approximately one mile. Recreation staff encourage residents to bring a friend and make the walks a social routine.

“This program is a great way for people to stay active and connected, especially now that Enfield Square Mall has closed and fewer indoor gathering options are available,” a recreation official said.

The indoor walking program is open to Enfield residents only. Strollers and other wheeled devices are not permitted on the gym floor. Walking may be canceled on certain days due to special events, schedule changes, or circumstances beyond the department’s control. The program does not operate during the summer months or on federal holidays when the Annex is closed.

Additional information and registration details are available at enfieldrec.com. Residents with questions can contact the Enfield Recreation Department at 860-253-6420.