FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is Boothbay Harbor Waterfront Preservation (BBHWP)?

Founded in 2018, BBHWP is a nonprofit, community-driven organization dedicated to preserving and protecting a vital piece of Boothbay Harbor’s waterfront. Our mission is to secure public access and support the working waterfront—now and for generations to come. We’re made up of year-round and seasonal residents, fishermen, tradespeople, educators, kids, and preservationists united by a shared love for this unique harbor.

How is Eastside Waterfront Park being funded and maintained?

The park is entirely funded by private donations—no town or taxpayer dollars are used. As an independent 501(c)(3), BBHWP has also established a long-term maintenance fund, supported through fundraising and other revenue, to ensure the park remains safe, beautiful, and well cared for far into the future.

Is the park being built with safety and sustainability in mind?

Absolutely. Safety and sustainability are central to everything we do. Recent updates include:

  • New pilings on the north pier to improve structural integrity

  • A reimagined splashpad, relocated farther from the water for better accessibility and safety, and fully ADA accessible

  • Plans to install water reclamation tanks to use splashpad water for irrigating the park

  • Future solar panels on-site, thanks to a generous donor

What’s happening with the buildings on the property?

We’re excited to reimagine the Hodgdon House for community use and are working with an architect to guide that vision. There’s strong local support for incorporating a general store, which is permitted under our zoning.

Other planned improvements include:

  • Converting the former restaurant into a public pavilion

  • Renovating the historic boathouse

  • Continuing to expand support for commercial fishing operations on the south pier

Why has park construction been delayed?

While community and donor support have been tremendous, large-scale projects take time—and careful planning. BBHWP received town approvals for site work and splashpad relocation in 2021, but our progress has been delayed due to legal challenges from an adjacent property owner. These appeals are now in various stages of review at both the local and state level.

We remain committed to moving forward with our full vision, including:

  • Finalizing the Hodgdon House plans

  • Upgrading dock and float layouts on the south pier

  • Renovating the boathouse

  • Completing the pavilion project

What is the Working Waterfront, and why is it so important?

Maine’s coast stretches over 5,000 miles, yet fewer than 20 miles remain as working waterfront—active spaces that support commercial fishing, aquaculture, and maritime trades. Eastside Waterfront Park is proud to be part of the effort to preserve this disappearing piece of our state’s identity by ensuring year-round access and support for local fishermen.

How does BBHWP support the local fishing and maritime community?

We’ve already made significant strides in strengthening the working waterfront:

  • Concrete-topped pier: 7,500 sq ft of space dedicated to fishermen

  • Winter trap storage: On-site and nearby, with over 3,000 traps stored

  • Discounted moorings: Four moorings offered at well below market rates

  • Essential parking: Easy access for load-in/load-out

  • Tie-up and emergency storage: Available when others are out of service

  • Ghost gear cleanup: Free staging space for OceansWide’s trap recovery program—over 1,300 traps removed from Boothbay waters

What are BBHWP’s next steps for the Working Waterfront?

We’re just getting started. Here’s what’s ahead:

  1. Expand working waterfront float system (funded)

  2. Install a boom and hoist for easier loading/unloading (funded)

  3. Open the north pier for additional winter trap storage

  4. Add a dinghy dock to improve access to moored boats (funded)