OUTSIDE THE BOX 6455

Walkers in Portland, Mass., now have a safe new place to exerciseStor-U-Self s new facility on Main Street. Onsite manager Mike Elliot got the idea last winter when he saw two women on their regular walk on a cold day for outdoor exercising. He remembered how his mother enjoyed mall walking, but there are no malls around Portland (which has a population of only 9,000). Then it hit him Why not open the facility to walkers?

Warm, Safe, Friendly

Elliot realized his site provides an ideal walking environment. The facility is warm, safe and friendly. Its insulated roof ensures an ambient temperature between 50 and 80 degrees, and exercisers can listen to the stores piped-in music. Fire extinguishers on the walls in addition to surveillance cameras around the site add to the security. And the intercom system can be used to call for help if necessary.

First, Elliot contacted Portlands senior center about the idea. Before long, notices were sent to churches and around town. On Jan. 1, Elliot opened the door to his first walkers. He thought perhaps hed see 40 people, but at least 300 regulars have signed up. A personal entry code and daily sign-in sheet allows Elliot to track each participant. We average 30 to 60 walkers per day and, to date, have had 2,600 guests sign in, he says.

Walkers are as varied as the population. In addition to senior citizens, businesspeople come in during their lunch break for a quick spin around the facilitys aisles. Once a week, about 15 members of a local Boy Scout troop wearing 40-pound backpacks hike 2 miles in the facility. Theyre getting ready for a 10-day, 70-mile hike at the Philmont Ranch in New Mexico, Elliot says.

The facilitys concrete aisles are 5 feet wide, allowing two people to walk companionably side-by-side. The path is approximately 1,000 feet long, and walkers travel in one direction around the perimeter of the building following well-placed signs. Most walkers do five or more laps around the path to walk at least one mile, Elliot says.

Walking hours are 8:30 a.m.-noon and 4-6 p.m., Monday through Friday. Saturday and Sunday hours are 1-3 p.m. I expect the number of walkers will decrease in the summer, Elliot says. The facility will still offer the program since there are people who need to be out of the heat and humidity, or who need a level walking area.

The program has not impacted customers, according to Elliot. If a tenant is working in one particular aisle, the walking path is redirected to adjacent aisles. Elliot only asks that walkers treat the property and its clients with respect.

Praise for the Program

Community leaders, walkers and neighbors praise the facilitys program. Stor-U-Self is a model partner in the community, says Fred Knous, chairman for the Portland Economic Development Commission. From day one, the company has improved this town, from the renovation to their property to supporting town activities.

Walkers are enthusiastic about Elliots program. This is an inspirational and fun way to create community awareness and involvement and to show how nice the facility is, says walker Nan Zimmer.

Eunice Wiseman, a regular, agrees. This is a wonderful community operation. Its great to see a new business open up for the community. Im grateful I can take advantage, and I tell everyone I see about it.

Supporting the Community

Its not only walkers who benefit from Self-U-Stores community support. Law-enforcement agencies use the site periodically to train drug-sniffing canines. Narcotics or explosives are placed in a storage unit, and the dogs will walk with their handlers to find the contraband. Many municipalities have used our facility under the direction of the Connecticut State Police, Elliot says. During training times, the property closes to walkers.

Although the walking program is not the facilitys primary objective, it has resulted in several rentals and will undoubtedly attract more business, Elliot says. But most important, it contributes to the quality of life for Portland residents. It proves this storage facility is truly a good neighbor. For more information, call 860.342.1445.