What Keeps People from Going Outside

Milford is a very walkable city, especially in the downtown area. The Mispillion Riverwalk, parks and beautiful downtown provide excellent reasons to get outside. However, people often remain inside, even on nice days.

“In the winter it is expected that people will remain inside as the weather is cold and can be icy,” Janie Everett, an environmental education specialist, said. “By the same token, they may claim that summer is too hot. Other reasons that people choose not to go outside are safety concerns, time pressure and an idea that when they go out, they need to have a plan for what they are going to do.”

According to Everett, these reasons become habits, making outdoors feel like extra effort rather than something that could be enjoyable. In Milford, there are also other reasons that people prefer not going out.

“I love to walk around town, but not when the winds of SeaWatch are a-blowin!” Nancy Saxon said. “Also, the fertilizers can be a little hard to take in the spring.”

Traffic is another reason people tend to avoid downtown. Many feel as if the town’s growth over the past decade has led to more cars on the road, many of whom have drivers who do not follow traffic regulations.

“Cars move faster than they used to, people don’t adhere to the speed limit, and even when you have a sidewalk, it is like drivers don’t even see you,” Karen Whittimer said. “That makes me more hesitant to take a walk, especially towards dark.”

There are also concerns about crime in Milford with some online sources claiming the city is unsafe. A review of the Milford Police Department Crime Map, available on their website, there were 11 crimes in the downtown area over the past four weeks. Of those, six five involved driving under the influence, one was harassment using a communication device, one was non-aggravated assault, one was aggravated assault, one was larceny and one was burglary. Only the aggravated assault would be considered a violent crime.

“When you read online that Milford is considered a high crime city, you just don’t feel safe going out,” Kate King said. “No one wants to be a crime victim.”

Police Chief Cecilia Ashe is aware of the online reports of crime in Milford but is making strides to reduce crime in Milford. She focuses on community policing and data-driven methods to reduce crime. She is also a strong proponent of the Behavioral Health Unit in Milford who travel with police officers when a call may be related to mental health or substance abuse. Under her leadership, violent crime is slowly being reduced in Milford.

Noise can be another factor that keeps people inside. There are residents with sensory issues where loud noises can cause anxiety.

“Noise! That very, very painful and piercing ear experience!” Kate David said.

One aspect of Milford is the fire siren which blows if there is an alarm. With a fire department made up of mostly volunteers, the company says it needs the alarm to notify members there is an emergency and to alert motorists that private vehicles may be traveling at a higher rate of speed to get to the fire house. Residents say the noise is ear-splitting and have been fighting to get it removed for years.

Not everyone avoids the outdoors, however. Many enjoy walking along the Riverwalk, visiting shops downtown or strolling through the parks.

“I just love being outside, winter, spring, summer and fall,” Betsy Asper said. “The town is simply beautiful and the river is relaxing. I take my dog for a walk down there every morning and evening. We sit on a bench and just watch the river flow.”

Others enjoy fishing in the river when the weather is warmer, although some try their hand in the winter as well. Last week, when Silver Lake was frozen over, social media had photos of people ice fishing on the lake, a very rare sight in Milford.

“Really, get outside and enjoy nature when you can,” Everett said. “Excuses are excuses. Although there are valid reasons, such as allergies or sensory disorders, for most people the reasons they do not go outside is a habit. Once you start going out and enjoying nature, you will likely wonder why you waited so long.”