Park City’s Newest Neighbor Shares Love of the Outdoors
L.L.Bean was founded in 1912 by Leon Leonwood Bean, an avid outdoorsman who became known for three things—his original product, the “Maine Hunting Shoe,” award-winning customer service and a true love of nature. Bean, and the company that bears his name, are committed to environmental stewardship, conservation and getting people outdoors by contributing (donating nearly 10 million dollars in the last five years) to organizations that protect the environment and ensure access to recreational opportunities for all.
Park City’s new L.L.Bean store carries on that tradition. Ryan Poulin, a Maine native and the Outdoor Program and Outreach Coordinator, is a former competitive athlete with a Masters Degree in Exercise Physiology and Sports Medicine. When he’s not working and traveling with the U.S. Paralympic Ski Team, he helps coordinate community outreach and recreational programs here in Utah.
“It’s not just about business.” says Ryan. “We offer the “Outdoor Discovery Program,” a program that began in the 1970’s that offered a range of clinics and activities designed to help people get the most out of the outdoors, whether it’s learning how to fly-fish, camp, snowshoe or orienteering.” Th ere’s an ongoing calendar of activities for nature enthusiasts of all ages including “Tent Tales,” a story time for little adventurers held in a tent.
Th e company also supports a variety of local organizations and non-profits including Historic Main Street, the National Ability Center, Swaner Eco-Center and Recycle Utah’s Park City Clean-Up. “We partner with ‘Little Bellas’,” says Ryan, “a national sponsorship program that gets young girls geared up and encourages them to have fun with mountain biking. We also help facilitate the Triple Trail Challenge where a portion of the proceeds from every mile run is donated to Mountain Trails Foundation.” L.L.Bean lends gear and expertise to the Basin Recreation’s “Get Out and Play!” program and is also involved with the Youth Winter Sports Alliance, donating 800 knit hats to young athletes this winter.
Even though they’re from Maine, L.L.Bean is going to fit in just fine.
