Parks Commission — Portland, ME
Date: 2025-11-06
Time: 17:00

City of Portland
Parks Commission Agenda

 The mission of the Portland Parks Commission is to advocate for the enhancement and stewardship
 of our parks and open spaces. Review and propose projects that impact parks and open spaces and
 recommend action. Foster collaboration among park users and the City. Promotes public access
 and enjoyment. Advocate for public and private funding for parks and open spaces. Enjoy Portland
 for life.

Commission Members:
Alexis Lopez Del Vecchio, Ashley Burdick, Beth Rabbitt, David Little, Donna Gartland, Elizabeth Pagan,
Griffin Bourassa, Jaime Parker, John Clark, Marie Gray, Robert Foster, Sarah Michniewicz (City Councilor),
and William Elting.
City Staff:
Alex Marshall (Parks Director), Jen DeRice (Parks Assistant Director), Amber Brooks

 November 6, 2025 at 5:00 PM
  On the first Thursday of the month at 5:00 pm, the Portland Parks Commission will hold a meeting at
 Parks, Recreation, and Facilities, 212 Canco Rd., Suite A conference room. The Parks Commission will
 conduct this meeting in person. Public comments may only be submitted in person or in writing. To
 submit written public comment on an agenda item, email parkscommission@portlandmaine.gov.
 Submissions must be received by 12:00 pm the day before the Parks Commission meeting to guarantee
 their inclusion in the agenda packet. All submissions must include the person's name and legal address.
  To help ensure your comment is submitted for the correct item, please include the name of the agenda
 item (see below).
 Livestream Link: https://portlandme.portal.civicclerk.com/event/7494/media



To submit written public comment on an agenda item, email ParksCommission@Portlandmaine.gov.
Submissions must be received by 12:00 pm the day before the Parks Commission meeting to guarantee their
inclusion in the agenda packet. All submissions must include the commenter's name and legal address. To help
ensure your comment is submitted for the correct item, please include the name of the agenda item (see below).

I. Call to Order
II. General Citizen Comment Period
 a. Public comment emails from 9.5.2025 through 11.5.2025
III. Agenda Items
 a. Acceptance of Meeting Minutes: September 4, 2025
 b. New Business
 i. Back Cove Festival Contributions
 ii. CIP discussion and vote
 c. Old Business
 i. Officer elections
 d. Communications and Updates
 i. Committee updates
 ii. Parks Division Report
 iii. Land Bank Commission Report
 e. Commissioner requests for Agenda Items
IV. Adjournment

City of Portland
Parks Commission Agenda

 The mission of the Portland Parks Commission is to advocate for the enhancement and stewardship
 of our parks and open spaces. Review and propose projects that impact parks and open spaces and
 recommend action. Foster collaboration among park users and the City. Promotes public access
 and enjoyment. Advocate for public and private funding for parks and open spaces. Enjoy Portland
 for life.

Commission Members:
Alexis Lopez Del Vecchio, Ashley Burdick, Beth Rabbitt, David Little, Donna Gartland, Elizabeth Pagan,
Griffin Bourassa, Jaime Parker, John Clark, Marie Gray, Robert Foster, Sarah Michniewicz (City Councilor),
and William Elting.
City Staff:
Alex Marshall (Parks Director), Jen DeRice (Parks Assistant Director), Amber Brooks

 November 6, 2025 at 5:00 PM
  On the first Thursday of the month at 5:00 pm, the Portland Parks Commission will hold a meeting at
 Parks, Recreation, and Facilities, 212 Canco Rd., Suite A conference room. The Parks Commission will
 conduct this meeting in person. Public comments may only be submitted in person or in writing. To
 submit written public comment on an agenda item, email parkscommission@portlandmaine.gov.
 Submissions must be received by 12:00 pm the day before the Parks Commission meeting to guarantee
 their inclusion in the agenda packet. All submissions must include the person's name and legal address.
  To help ensure your comment is submitted for the correct item, please include the name of the agenda
 item (see below).
 Livestream Link: https://portlandme.portal.civicclerk.com/event/7494/media



To submit written public comment on an agenda item, email ParksCommission@Portlandmaine.gov.
Submissions must be received by 12:00 pm the day before the Parks Commission meeting to guarantee their
inclusion in the agenda packet. All submissions must include the commenter's name and legal address. To help
ensure your comment is submitted for the correct item, please include the name of the agenda item (see below).

I. Call to Order
II. General Citizen Comment Period
 a. Public comment emails from 9.5.2025 through 11.5.2025
III. Agenda Items
 a. Acceptance of Meeting Minutes: September 4, 2025
 b. New Business
 i. Back Cove Festival Contributions
 ii. CIP discussion and vote
 c. Old Business
 i. Officer elections
 d. Communications and Updates
 i. Committee updates
 ii. Parks Division Report


 Page 1
 iii. Land Bank Commission Report
 e. Commissioner requests for Agenda Items
IV. Adjournment




 Page 2
10/31/25, 2:32 PM City of Portland Mail - Fwd: Payson Park traffic and safety concerns




  Fwd: Payson Park traffic and safety concerns
  1 message

  J Fri, Oct 31, 2025 at 2:31 PM




 ---------- Forwarded message ---------
 From: S Boucher <Unknown>
 Date: Monday, September 15, 2025 at 5:10:11 PM UTC-4
 Subject: Payson Park traffic and safety concerns
 To: parksco...@portlandmaine.gov <Unknown>, an...@portlandmaine.gov <Unknown>, Andrew Ransom-Keyek
 <Unknown>, andre...@bikemaine.org <Unknown>


 Dear Park Commissioners,

 I am writing today to bring up concerns my husband and I have about the traffic/parking in Payson Park. Our
 house abuts the Arboretum on 64 Brookside Rd and our backyard is literally on Arboretum Rd. We bought this
 house in 1992. We are cyclists with 45 years of experience in bike touring, commuting and recreational cycling.
 We also often are pedestrians in Payson Park.

 Two weeks ago I attended a meeting of the Parks Commission with the agenda being a renewal of the license for
 the Music Festival for additional years. There was discussion about the Arboretum Rd being closed to traffic for
 a few days around and during the festival. Interestingly, multiple Commissioners admitted to driving through the
 park on what appeared to be a daily weekday basis. There was also a comment about "Andrew was surprised at
 how many cars go through Payson Park". I am not sure if they meant Andrew Downs or Andy Keyek so I am
 including both of you in this email.

 Yes, indeed, a lot of traffic goes through Payson Park. While city officials and concert promoters spent
 considerable time planning for parking and traffic issues for the for-profit 2-day festival, there appears to be no
 such energy spent on the daily traffic and safety issues occuring in Payson Park for the city
 residents/taxpayers/park users for the other 360+ days of the year. I am including Andrew Zarro on this note as
 he heads the BCM who has this mission: "The Bicycle Coalition of Maine works to make Maine a better place to
 bike and walk." Certainly a Portland city park should be high on the list of safe places to ride or walk.

 Before going into the issues I do want to thank the Portland Trails group for the traffic calming they added to the
 entrance of Arboretum Rd. I believe it has been a big help and the most positive traffic change we have seen in
 Payson in years. This is much appreciated.

 We have a copy of the original 50+ page Master Plan, dated Winter 2000, for Payson Park which would be
 interesting reading for any of you that haven't seen it. This plan was more pedestrian friendly than where we
 have evolved to today. It did not even include a road down through the park on the arboretum side. It shows an
 entrance as there is today but that road only went as far as a 100-car parking lot at the bottom of the sliding hill.
 It did not go all the way down through the park. Additionally, the plan called for a total of 420 parking spaces in
 the park. I believe we are very far short of that number. The plan is 25 years old, but it had some great ideas.
 Maybe we should relook at it? Anybody who would like to see our original copy of this plan is welcome to contact
 me.

 Arboretum Rd has become a major thoroughfare for cut-through traffic from Ocean Ave to Baxter Blvd. At certain
 times of the day it is nearly a highway. Additionally, because there is a lack of parking in the park, Arboretum Rd
 becomes congested with parked cars creating a major safety issue for cyclists and pedestrians. These cars park
 on the grass right under 'do not park on the grass' signs and they park in the road which is not wide enough to
 accomodate parked cars, moving cars, and pedestrians and cyclists. We have never seen parking being
 monitored.
https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/?ik=c89fc43190&view=pt&search=all&permthid=thread-f:1847523292957686144&simpl=msg-f:1847523292957686144 1/4
 Page 3
10/31/25, 2:32 PM City of Portland Mail - Fwd: Payson Park traffic and safety concerns


 Often, when walking up the road toward Ocean Ave I will motion to cars to slow down or move over (about 30%
 of cars coming at me have 2 wheels into the bike/walking lane). A few will apologize/slow down, but the vast
 majority either ignore me or give me an unwelcoming gesture. Also, when there is both a car and a bike, there
 really is nowhere for a pedestrian to go other than to actually get into the arboretum.

 We have noticed quite an increase in cyclists using Arboretum Rd which is a good thing. We now also have
 increased pedestrian traffic brought in by the new frisbee golf course (another positive thing!). We need to
 address the safety issues caused by speeding cars and parking issues.

 Recently, we downloaded an app that allows us to 'speed gun' cars coming down Arboretum Rd from our
 bedroom window. Virtually nobody goes 15 MPH despite the four 15MPH signs along this stretch. Many
 go double the speed limit and a few considerably more than double the speed limit. Between the speeds and
 volume of cars, as well as the poor visibility due to parked cars, this road is an injury waiting to happen. (I don't
 use the term 'accident' because it would be caused by willful breaking of the rules which is not an accident).

 When our kids were elementary-school aged, they freely walked across the arboretum and across this street to
 go to soccer or softball practice. Today, with cars lining the road most evenings and all weekends, we would not
 feel safe letting them cross this road alone at those times. As the members of BCM well know, today's motorists
 have little patience for cyclists and pedestrians who are 'in my way!' Drivers are much more aggressive and pay
 less attention to their surroundings than they did even pre-Covid.

 This past Sunday was the worst we have ever seen. The park was booming with people having fun playing
 soccer, softball, basketball, tennis, pickleball, frisbee golf, and some organization set up in the triangle, etc.
 Arboretum Rd was totally unsafe. Cars were parked on one side for the full length of the road and on the other
 side for part of it too. There isn't even room for cars parking on one side, but to have both sides with parked cars
 was just discouraging. Cyclists were having a hard time negotiating through.

 It is time for the Parks Commission to decide if Payson Park is for safe recreation for our citizens or if it is just
 there for motorists to use as a cut through for their convenience. If we can close this road for a few days for a
 for-profit event, why can't we close it altogether for the safety of our citizens the rest of the year? This would be
 my preferred solution, but I will also offer some other partial solutions:

 Prohibit parking on this road...not on the grass and not on the road. It is too narrow to accommodate parked cars
 and be safe for pedestrians/cyclists. Also, there is no safe place to even cross this road when it is lined with
 parked cars. Over the past few years this problem has grown and no parking signs have not been enforced.
 Let's add new no parking signs and actually enforce them.

 Address the width of the bike lane going down Arboretum Rd. It is already narrower than other bike lanes in the
 city and, in places, the pavement is broken up within this narrow space. It also has several drains that are on an
 angle and difficult to bike over. Why not paint a second line extending the width like that done on Ocean Ave,
 Baxter Blvd and other streets around Portland? This adds another 12-18 inches to the bike lane and narrows the
 driving lane which could contribute to slower speeds.

 Install speed bumps...either a temporary type like Falmouth has installed on either side of the Town Landing
 Store on Rt 88 or permanent ones.

 I have ignored the other road through the park for the most part here, but it also needs speed bumps as well as
 more 15 MPH signs. When traffic comes off Baxter into the park it is traveling pretty fast. There is no indication
 that they are in a 15 MPH zone until they are approaching the first stop sign. We need a 15MPH sign erected
 right at the park entrance on the Baxter end. Speed bumps on that side are also welcome. Many cars run the
 stop signs. Cars go way too fast for the large amount of activity in the park.

 Install flashing 15MPH signs or the flashing signs that tell you how fast you are going on both roads through the
 park. We see flashing speed signs all over the place in surrounding communities while biking. Let's put some
 up.

 Have the police set up a speed trap in the arboretum and issue tickets. (They will be really busy). They could
 also set up near the Little League field or basketball courts for both speeding and stop sign violations on that side
 of the park. Get the word out that speeding through Payson Park will no longer be tolerated.

https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/?ik=c89fc43190&view=pt&search=all&permthid=thread-f:1847523292957686144&simpl=msg-f:1847523292957686144 2/4
 Page 4
10/31/25, 2:32 PM City of Portland Mail - Fwd: Payson Park traffic and safety concerns
 Parking for the users of the park is a major issue. The lot at the bottom of the sliding hill is in poor repair and isn't
 big enough to accomodate the cars parked in Payson. Can it be expanded? This would take care of the 3
 seasons when the park is busiest and could continue to be closed during the winter . Can we routinely open the
 parking on the grass near the playground (above the underground tanks) and require cars to park only there or in
 designated lots like at Little League field or at the sliding hill but allow NO parking on the park roads at all?
 "Athletes" should be able to walk a bit to get to their venue of choice.

 I see that building multi-use paths are in capital project plans. Why not fix the parking areas instead and close
 Arboretum road beyond access to the parking lot at the bottom of the sliding hill so that Arboretum Rd becomes
 the multi-use trail? By closing the Arboretum Rd, the whole park from the arboretum all the way across to
 Catafalque Dr would be free of vehicular traffic and free to roam. Specific paths wouldn't be necessary.

 I welcome any questions or comments. As you can see I know the park and its issues as we have owned this
 house for nearly 35 years and use the park frequently. I welcome any of you to come to our house right next to
 the arboretum and observe for yourselves. You can also just listen to know when a flurry or cars or speeders are
 coming.

 We need to work together on implementing some fixes, However, the fixes all lead back to the original
 question......do you prefer to have Payson Park be a safe place to recreate or do you give priority to vehicular
 traffic and continue to allow it to be a major thoroughfare for cut-through traffic? Our vote as Portland's taxpayers
 is to have a park where we can recreate safely every day of the year.

 I am attaching 7 pictures from the past week...3 showing narrow bike/ped lane with difficulty for pedestrians, 1
 showing cars parking right under the "Do not park on the grass" sign, 3 from Sunday showing extremely
 dangerous conditions with cars parked on both sides of Arboretum Rd. Two pics from the Master Plan book will
 be sent separately in another email.

 Thank you. I look forward to hearing from anyone with questions or comments.

 Nancy Boucher
 207-420-1897
 stevenanboucher@gmail.com




 7 attachments




 1 bikes in narrow lane.JPG
 2482K




https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/?ik=c89fc43190&view=pt&search=all&permthid=thread-f:1847523292957686144&simpl=msg-f:1847523292957686144 3/4
 Page 5
10/31/25, 2:32 PM City of Portland Mail - Fwd: Payson Park traffic and safety concerns




 2 narrow & broken section just beyond 3rd sign.JPG
 8242K




 3 pedestrians.JPG
 2561K




 4 parking on the grass.JPG
 4075K




 5 cars parked in bike lane cycling.JPG
 2619K




 6 Sunday mess.JPG
 2711K




 7 Sunday cars both sides.pdf
 247K




https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/?ik=c89fc43190&view=pt&search=all&permthid=thread-f:1847523292957686144&simpl=msg-f:1847523292957686144 4/4
 Page 6
Page 7
Page 8
Page 9
Page 10
Page 11
Page 12
Page 13
Page 14
Page 15
City of Portland | Parks, Recreation and Facilities Management
Ethan Hipple, Director
Alex Marshall, Director of Parks




Parks Commission September 4, 2025 Meeting Minutes
This meeting was recorded and is available to watch on the Agendas and Meetings Portal here:
https://portlandme.portal.civicclerk.com/event/7492/media
Please note: Audio technical issues are resolved at timestamp 11.23.

Present Commission Members: Alexis Lopez Del Vecchio, Ashley Burdick, Beth Rabbitt, Donna
Gartland, Elizabeth Pagan, Griffin Bourassa, Jaime Parker, John Clark, Marie Gray, Robert Foster,
Sarah Michniewicz (City Councilor), William Elting

Not Present: David Little

Staff: Alex Marshall Parks Director, Jessica Teesdale Senior Executive Assistant

Call to Order: B. Rabbit called the meeting to order at 5:04 pm

General Citizen Comment Period in person: none

Agenda Items

Acceptance of Meeting Minutes May 1, 2025: Motion to accept meeting minutes: The motion was
 made by J. Parker and seconded by M. Gray. Motion passed 11-0

New Business

Back Cove Festival Presentation: Andy Downs provided an overview of the festival agreement
 and the Department's recommendation to support the plans to address the issues and
 concerns that arose during the 2025 festival. Communication between the organizers and
 the City was open and positive. Next steps would be for the Parks Commission to make the
 recommendation to Cthe ity Council. Representatives of the promoter were present to help
 answer questions from the commission. Topics covered:

 ●​ Proximity and impact of the assisted living facility
 ●​ Permitting review process
 ●​ Cost analysis for city staff
 ●​ Ride share
 ●​ Potential for a community survey
 ●​ Tickets for adjacent neighbors
 ●​ Park closure to all



 212 Canco Road, Suite A, Portland, Maine 04103 | parkscommission@portlandmaine.gov

 Page 16
 ●​ Trail improvements and use statistics
 ●​ Traffic and Transportation
 ●​ Responsiveness of festival organizers
 ●​ Parking and accessibility
 ●​ Signage
 ●​ City partnership
 ●​ Community communication
 ●​ Security
 ●​ Noise complaints and accountability

​ B. Rabbit will pull all of the commission notes into a letter of recommendation

​ ​

Public Comment provided: Devon Green of Frenald Street, and Jeff Shaw, director of the Maine
 Academy of Modern Music

​

FY27 Capital Improvement Projects Overview: Alex Marshall provides the overview and answers
 questions about the CIP process and the projects on the list.

 ●​ Deering Oaks lighting
 ●​ Fitzpatrick track resurfacing and fencing
 ●​ Fore City Cemetery Erosion Mitigation
 ●​ Community garden raised beds
 ●​ Court resurfacing
 ●​ Deering Oaks courts crack mill and overlay
 ●​ Deering Oaks tennis court, adjacent road, and sidewalk
 ●​ Eastern Prom Cutter Street design
 ●​ Fencing
 ○​ Eastern Prom trail
 ○​ Back Cove trail
 ○​ The Riverside Recycling Trail connects Riverton Trolley Park and the
 Riverside Trail.
 ○​ North Deering Park
 ○​ Naysons Corner Park
 ●​ Fort Gorges preservation and wharf reconstruction
 ●​ Lincoln Park fence
 ●​ Portland Harbor Common Phase II grant matching
 ●​ Western Prom Valley St. retaining wall
 ●​ East End Playground replacement
 ●​ Annual playground element repairs and replacement
 ●​ Back Cove stabilization and guard rail

Old Business

Committee Report-October meeting will be a workshop.

 212 Canco Road, Suite A, Portland, Maine 04103 | parkscommission@portlandmaine.gov



 Page 17
Communications and Updates-Tabled

Parks Division Report-Tabled

Land Bank Commission Report-Tabled

Commissioner requests for Agenda Items

 ●​ Allocation of funds received from the music festival agreement
 ●​ Bayside Midtown parcel recommendation
 ●​ Interpretive signage
 ●​ Leadership nominations
 ●​ Outreach discussion

Adjournment




 212 Canco Road, Suite A, Portland, Maine 04103 | parkscommission@portlandmaine.gov



 Page 18
PRF 10 Year Capital Improvement Plan
 The following schedule illustrates the long term plan for upkeep and improvements of Portland Parks and Open
 Spaces. It represents the Parks Division's best estimate for timing and cost. Dates and amounts are subject to change
 at any time. Prior to implementation, all projects would need support of Director of Parks, Recreation and Facilities,
 City Manager, and City Council.
Note: FY27 Projects approved in March of 2026 2027 2028 2029 2030 2031 2032 2033 2034 2035 2036
Annual Total District $5,855,000 $9,465,000 $7,145,000 $6,440,000 $7,680,000 $3,469,000 $3,485,000 $3,800,000 $2,237,000 $1,775,000
Athletic Facilities
Deering High School Field Upgrades 5 $200,000 $275,000
Deering Oaks Baseball Lights and General Park Lighting 2 $500,000
Deering Oaks Infield Upgrades and Irrigation 2 $90,000
Deering Oaks Volleyball Court Replacement 2 $75,000
Fencing: Softball field at Talbot School 1 $75,000
Fitzpatrick Paving and ADA Improvements 2 $235,000
Fitzpatrick Stadium Entrance Upgrade 2 $75,000
Fitzpatrick to Expo Team Entrance Landscape Upgrades 2 $100,000
Fitzpatrick Track Resurfacing & Fencing Replacement 2 $600,000 $100,000
Fox St Irrigation Replacement 1 $75,000
Ludlow Baseball Field Upgrades 5 $500,000
Memorial Stadium Concession Stand Replacement 5 $500,000
Memorial Stadium Turf Replacement 5 $1,200,000
Payson B Softball Drainage and Irrigation 4 $110,000
Riverton Softball Lighting Replacement 5 $255,000
Synthetic Turf Field: location TBD $1,500,000


Cemeteries
Evergreen Driveway Drainage and Paving--To be funded by Water Resources 5
Evergreen Repaving Roads 5 $125,000 $125,000
Forest City Coastal Erosion Mitigation 5 $100,000 $1,000,000
Gravel Road Reconstruction (Evergreen and Forest City) - Could be paid for by trusts 5 $100,000
Green Burial Area Development (Evergreen) 5 $30,000
Pond Restoration Engineering 5 $30,000
Pond Restoration Construction 5 $500,000
Wilde Chapel Masonry 5 $500,000 $500,000


Community Gardens
Bayside Community Garden Relocation 1 $50,000
Community Garden Raised Bed Installation (Environmental Remediation at Payson, North St,
Valley St, Clark St) Various $100,000
Fence Repairs/Additions (3-4 Gardens (CDBG potential) Various $50,000 $50,000
Shed Replacements (and Peaks Island City Acres Shed)*** Various $45,000


Courts--Tennis, Basketball, Futsal
Bayside Basketball Court - New Construction 1 $150,000




 Page 19
PRF 10 Year Capital Improvement Plan
 The following schedule illustrates the long term plan for upkeep and improvements of Portland Parks and Open
 Spaces. It represents the Parks Division's best estimate for timing and cost. Dates and amounts are subject to change
 at any time. Prior to implementation, all projects would need support of Director of Parks, Recreation and Facilities,
 City Manager, and City Council.
Note: FY27 Projects approved in March of 2026 2027 2028 2029 2030 2031 2032 2033 2034 2035 2036
Annual Total District $5,855,000 $9,465,000 $7,145,000 $6,440,000 $7,680,000 $3,469,000 $3,485,000 $3,800,000 $2,237,000 $1,775,000
Court Resurfacing: Various (DHS Tennis, Reiche, Pleasant St, Taylor St, Munjoy South) Various $150,000 $75,000 $75,000 $75,000 $75,000
Deering Oaks Tennis and Basketball Court Crack Mill & Overlay 2 $450,000
Deering Oaks Tennis Court Lights--Add (to be completed Fall 2025) 2 $350,000
Dougherty Field Basketball Pavilion 3 $150,000
Eastern Prom Tennis and Basketball Court Resurface 1 $50,000
Fox Field Basketball Court Repaving 1 $300,000
Futsal Court #2, location TBD $200,000
Longfellow Basketball Drainage and Reconstruction 5 $175,000
Payson Additional Basketball Court 4 $150,000
Peaks Island Multi-use Pickleball/Basketball Courts (2)*** 1 $300,000
Pickleball Court Construction (NEW) - Location TBD TBD $500,000
Riverton Tennis Court Fence Replacement 5 $100,000


Park Infrastructure
Bell Buoy Park Design/Engineering & Construction--ADA 1 $75,000 $750,000
Bramhall Square Reconstruction $250K budget, $100K from Maine Medical, $150 from Public
Works CIP, $100K other sources 2 $750,000
Deering Oaks ADA Sidewalks and Curbing--Farmers Market Rd. (State to Deering) 2 $300,000
Deering Oaks Pond Plaza and Dock--ADA 2 $100,000
Deering Oaks Pond Wall Reconstruction - Phase II 2 $400,000
Deering Oaks Ravine Wading Pool Rehab--ADA 2 $475,000
Deering Oaks Rose Circle Entrance--Convert to Brick--ADA 2 $75,000
Deering Oaks Roadway Repaving--Tennis Court Road 2 200,000
Disc Golf Course Expansion, Location TBD $50,000
East End Beach Bath House Replacement--ADA 1 $1,500,000
East End Recreational Boat Ramp Reconstruction 1 $500,000
Eastern Prom Cleeves Accident Fence Reconstruction 1 $50,000
Eastern Prom Cleeves Monument ADA Plaza 1 $125,000
Eastern Prom Cutter St Design (DPW will submit) 1 $300,000
Eastern Prom Cutter Street/Parking Reno--ADA (joint project with Public Works) 1 $2,750,000
Fencing: Eastern Prom Trail, Back Cove Trail, Riverside Recycling Trail, North Deering Park,
Nason's Corner Park 1 $375,000
Fort Gorges Composting Toilets 1 $100,000
Fort Gorges Parapet 1 $250,000
Fort Gorges Preservation Plan (Structural Stabilization) 1 $120,000 $200,000
Fort Gorges Sea Level Rise Intervention 1 $250,000
Fort Gorges Wharf Reconstruction (materials and engineering) 1 $100,000




 Page 20
PRF 10 Year Capital Improvement Plan
 The following schedule illustrates the long term plan for upkeep and improvements of Portland Parks and Open
 Spaces. It represents the Parks Division's best estimate for timing and cost. Dates and amounts are subject to change
 at any time. Prior to implementation, all projects would need support of Director of Parks, Recreation and Facilities,
 City Manager, and City Council.
Note: FY27 Projects approved in March of 2026 2027 2028 2029 2030 2031 2032 2033 2034 2035 2036
Annual Total District $5,855,000 $9,465,000 $7,145,000 $6,440,000 $7,680,000 $3,469,000 $3,485,000 $3,800,000 $2,237,000 $1,775,000
Fort Sumner Reconstruction--ADA 1 $450,000
Fort Sumner Trail Lighting--to be paid for by Friends Group 1
Harborview Concrete Stair and Plaza: Resurfacing with Granite 2 $100,000
Harborview Stairs from Circle Trail Intersection to Commercial St 2 $100,000
Lincoln Park Fence--Federal St Phase I 1 $200,000
Lincoln Park Fence--Federal St Phase II 1 $350,000
Lincoln Park Fence--Franklin St (likely covered by Franklin St Project) 1 $300,000
Lincoln Park Walkway Lights 1 $250,000
Longfellow Park Bollard Lighting*** 3 $50,000
Ludlow Pond Drainage 5 $150,000
Martins Point Access Improvements 4 $150,000
Noyes Park Pathways, Seating and Trees--ADA 2 $500,000
Park Walkway ADA Paving, various locations (E Prom, Deering Oaks) various $200,000 $200,000 $200,000 $200,000
Payson Park Front Street Entrance Plaza Improvements and Cross-Park Trail to Baseball
Parking Lot- Possible C3 or Portland Housing Authority funding--ADA 4 $200,000
Payson Park Parking: Reconstructing Sledding Hill Parking Lot--ADA 4 $250,000
Payson Park Skating Rink Improvements (Expansion) 4 $75,000
Picnic Pavillion: Deering Oaks and Payson Park--ADA various $150,000 $150,000
Portland Harbor Common Phase II, Match for ORLP 1 $500,000 $1,000,000
Public Restrooms: Upper Western Prom, Ft Allen Park, Others? various
Quarry Run Dog Park Expansion and Renovation (Invasives Removal, Trail resurfacing, fence
replacement)--ADA 4 $100,000
Riverton Trolley Park to Riverside Golf Course Trail: Move Fence for trail connection 5 $100,000
Veranda Street Waterfront Open Space landscaping - MDOT property 4 $150,000
Western Prom "NEW" Sidewalk along Western Cemetery--ADA 2 $250,000
Western Prom Play Area 2 $150,000
Western Prom Bandstand, Toboggan Run Improvements 2 $150,000
Western Prom Roadway Tree Allee 2 $300,000
Western Prom Upper Park Walkway Reconstruction--ADA 2 $250,000 $250,000
Western Prom Valley Street Trail and Stone Retaining Wall Phase II 2 $150,000
Western Prom Vista Clearing and Plantings 2 $50,000 $50,000 $50,000
Western Prom Walkway Lighting 2 $200,000
Western Prom Walkway Reconstruction, Phase II--ADA 2 $150,000


Playgrounds, Skateparks, and Fitness Courses
Adams School Playground 1 $250,000
Deering Oaks Playground Equipment Replacement 2 $450,000




 Page 21
PRF 10 Year Capital Improvement Plan
 The following schedule illustrates the long term plan for upkeep and improvements of Portland Parks and Open
 Spaces. It represents the Parks Division's best estimate for timing and cost. Dates and amounts are subject to change
 at any time. Prior to implementation, all projects would need support of Director of Parks, Recreation and Facilities,
 City Manager, and City Council.
Note: FY27 Projects approved in March of 2026 2027 2028 2029 2030 2031 2032 2033 2034 2035 2036
Annual Total District $5,855,000 $9,465,000 $7,145,000 $6,440,000 $7,680,000 $3,469,000 $3,485,000 $3,800,000 $2,237,000 $1,775,000
East End School Playground 1 $450,000
East End School Playground Design 1 $50,000
Fox Field Playground 1 $400,000
Fox Field Playground Design 1 $50,000
Great Diamond Island Playground 1 $150,000
Hesletine Park Playground 4 $250,000
Heseltine, Stroudwater, Taylor Street & Munjoy South Park Playground Designs various $125,000
Munjoy South Playground 1 $550,000
Ocean Avenue School Playground 4 $500,000
Ocean Avenue School Playground Design 4 $50,000
Peaks Island Playground 1 $250,000
Peaks Island Skate Park 1 $150,000
Peppermint Park--East Bayside Playground 1 $350,000
Peppermint Park--East Bayside Playground Design 1 $50,000
Playground Equipment Replacement: Various Locations various $75,000 $75,000 $75,000 $75,000
Portable Pumptrack: Moveable Neighborhood Skatepark various $150,000
Presumpscot Playground 4 $650,000
Presumpscot Playground Design 4 $50,000
Rowe School Playground 5 $600,000
Rowe School Playground Design 5 $50,000
Stroudwater Playground 3 $150,000
Taylor Street Playground 2 $100,000
Tyng-Tate Street Playground: Fencing and Seating*** 2 $25,000
University Park Playground (NEW) 4 $200,000
Will's Playground (Eastern Prom) 1 $500,000


Trails
Back Cove Stabilization & Guard Rail 1 750,000
Back Cove Trail Reconstruction and Stone Dust Resurfacing 4,3,1 $150,000
Bayside Trail Resurfacing--by Public Works 1,2
Dougherty Field Bike Path Improvements*** 3 $100,000
Eastern Promenade Sidewalk Resurfacing--by Public Works 1
Fore River Parkway Trail Resurfacing--by Public Works 2
Payson Park Cross Park Trail (Arboretum Road) 4 $150,000


Recreation Facilities




 Page 22
PRF 10 Year Capital Improvement Plan
 The following schedule illustrates the long term plan for upkeep and improvements of Portland Parks and Open
 Spaces. It represents the Parks Division's best estimate for timing and cost. Dates and amounts are subject to change
 at any time. Prior to implementation, all projects would need support of Director of Parks, Recreation and Facilities,
 City Manager, and City Council.
Note: FY27 Projects approved in March of 2026 2027 2028 2029 2030 2031 2032 2033 2034 2035 2036
Annual Total District $5,855,000 $9,465,000 $7,145,000 $6,440,000 $7,680,000 $3,469,000 $3,485,000 $3,800,000 $2,237,000 $1,775,000
212 Canco Rd Community Room improvements 4 $200,000
Community Center Construction ???
Community Center Planning $200,000
Reiche Pool Renovation/Replacement 2 Unknown
Reiche Pool Filter 2 $115,000


Ice Arena
ADA Sidewalk and Access Issues (Park Ave to Horse Barn) 2 $400,000
Chiller Replacement (Refurb in 2024 will get us to est 2034) 2 $350,000
Front of building wall repairs? 2
Ice Arena Improvements 2 $50,000 $50,000 $50,000 $50,000 $50,000 $50,000
Redesign (Office to Locker Room) 2 $345,000
Sign Replacement (Ice Arena & Expo) 2 $85,000
Sprinkler Upgrade 2 $100,000
Structural Analysis of entire building 2


Golf Course
Bridge over Dole Brook: Phase II 5 $300,000
Bunker Renovation--North Course 5 $987,000
Bunker Renovation--South Course--Phase II 5 $250,000
Cart Barn engineering & design 5 $50,000
Cart Building Building Replacement-South Estimate 5 $500,000
Cart Building Building Replacement-North Estimate 5 $1,250,000
Course Improvements 5 $150,000 $100,000 $100,000 $100,000 $100,000 $100,000 $100,000 $100,000
Ice Rink Reconstruction add LED lighting 5 $210,000
Irrigation system replacement towers 5 $150,000
Irrigation System Replacement--TOTAL 5 $1,000,000 $1,000,000 $1,000,000
Golf Simluators/Roof Adjustment 5
Materials Storage--Covered 5 $144,000
Paving Parking Lot--North Course Phase I 5 $150,000
Paving Parking Lot--North Course Phase II 5 $150,000


Public Assemblies
Expo Renovations 2 $1,000,000
Merrill Interior Doors 1 $100,000
Merrill Loading Dock Engineering 1 $50,000




 Page 23
PRF 10 Year Capital Improvement Plan
 The following schedule illustrates the long term plan for upkeep and improvements of Portland Parks and Open
 Spaces. It represents the Parks Division's best estimate for timing and cost. Dates and amounts are subject to change
 at any time. Prior to implementation, all projects would need support of Director of Parks, Recreation and Facilities,
 City Manager, and City Council.
Note: FY27 Projects approved in March of 2026 2027 2028 2029 2030 2031 2032 2033 2034 2035 2036
Annual Total District $5,855,000 $9,465,000 $7,145,000 $6,440,000 $7,680,000 $3,469,000 $3,485,000 $3,800,000 $2,237,000 $1,775,000
Merrill Loading Dock: Extend, Reorient & add bus parking 1 $300,000
Merrill Marquee 1 $200,000
Merrill Orchestra Pit Lift - PSO/POV/Opera offering funding 1 $300,000
Merrill Seating Replacement--adding to existing CIP of $200K 1 $100,000
Ocean Gateway: Add Catering Kitchen 1 $250,000
Outdoor venues - Barricades--moved to operating budget $140 various




 There were no new requests submitted in this years public process




 Page 24
​

​ CITY OF PORTLAND​ CITY OF PORTLAND
​ Parks, Recreation & Facilities Department​ Parks, Recreation & Facilities Department
​ Ethan Hipple, Director​ Alex Marshall, Parks Director


 Memorandum
TO: Parks Commission and Land Bank Commission
FROM: Alex Marshall, Parks Director, Parks, Recreation and Facilities Department
SUBJECT: Parks Division Update
DATE: August/September/October 2025

Parks Division Staffing
 ●​ Total Budgeted positions in Parks Division: 43
 ●​ Vacancies:
 ○​ Arborist
 ○​ Parks Maintainer
 ○​ Contracted Project Manager

Citywide Unhoused Report
At this time, there are 33 encampments citywide, which is 12 fewer than this time in 2024 and 243 fewer
than that of 2023. Of the 33 active tent sites, 3 of them are located on City property. Overall, in 2025,
City Staff (primarily Rangers) have tagged and removed 632 tents citywide. Park Rangers continue to tag
and remove between 5 and 20 tents from City land each week and conduct a thorough clean-up
afterward with the help of other Parks staff or contractors. There continues to be a steady capacity
available at the Homeless Services Center.

Annual Ft Gorges Maintenance
On September 18th staff from the Parks Division took a trip out to Ft. Gorges with the help of Rippleffect
and their beach landing vessel. Overgrown vegetation and invasives were removed to allow for easier
accessibility and viewing from various locations throughout the park. The Friends of Ft. Gorges also
joined us to help with the project.

Riverton Trolley Park & Maine Outdoor Film Festival
Also on September 18th was an afternoon and evening event at the transforming Riverton Trolley Park
through a collaboration with the Parks Conservancy. There was a tutorial on mountain bike riding with
The Greater Portland New England Mountain Biking Association, a park history walk with former City
Arborist Jeff Tarling and a short film showing in the ballfield with the Maine Outdoor Film Festival. It was
a wonderful way to activate and shine a spotlight on this beautiful space.

Resurfaced Riverton Courts
The Riverton Courts are now open with 6 new surfaced and dedicated Pickleball courts and 1 multiuse
tennis court. The soft opening was highlighted on September 19th when we invited members of the
daily Deering Oaks pickleball group over to play in Riverton and show the Parks Director how it is really
done.

 212 Canco Road, Suite A • Portland, Maine 04103
 Page 25 • www.portlandmaine.gov
 parkscommission@portlandmaine.gov
​

​ CITY OF PORTLAND​ CITY OF PORTLAND
​ Parks, Recreation & Facilities Department​ Parks, Recreation & Facilities Department
​ Ethan Hipple, Director​ Alex Marshall, Parks Director



Preble Field & Fitness Course Open
The long awaited Preble Field and Fitness Course are now open after a ribbon cutting ceremony on
September 5th. Members of the community, city staff, the project team and the mayor all joined in the
celebration of how impactful this new stormwater infrastructure will be for the city and how beautiful
this reconstructed recreation facility is. The underground tanks hold 3.5 Million gallons of combined
sewer/stormwater during each storm which is important as it will all be treated by the water treatment
plant as capacity allows instead of being discharged into the ocean due to that limited treatment
capacity. The playing field will be programmed for use in the Spring of 2026 while the fitness course is
open for fun and exercise.

Forestry Fall Planting & Co-Op Program
The Forestry Team planted a total of 166 trees this Spring and Fall as part of their annual tree planting
program. The focus in 2025 was in the low tree equity score neighborhoods and surrounding areas such
as continued efforts in Bayside. Additionally, of these 166 trees, there were 35 co-op trees planted across
the city. The 166 trees were watered with the previous 300 trees planted in 2024.

Annual Meadow Mowing
Each season the parks team identifies and promotes ‘no mow’ or ‘low mow’ areas within the parks.
These areas are typically established in underutilized spaces that would be better served to promote
pollinator habitat and activity. In order to keep these meadows flush with natives and desired
vegetation, we need to mow them annually so that woody plants and invasives do not overrun them.
This schedule starts around the end of September and runs through October/November as there is an
incredible amount of ground to cover before snowfall. Some locations see a mowing in the late Spring
after insects have left the space.

Annual Tulip Planting
The City Horticulture Team has removed all annual flower displays, prepped those beds for tulips and
planted the Spring tulip display for 2026. With upwards of 10,000 tulips in the ground this year we are
eagerly awaiting the beauty they bring each Spring. Some of these spaces include Fessenden Park,
Deering Oaks and the Western Prom. The Horticulture Team also partnered with the Yellow Tulip Project
to have a new Hope Garden prepped and planted with 1,000 yellow tulips at the Deering Avenue
entrance to Deering Oaks.

Monument Square Game Equipment
We hope folks were able to stop by Monument Square over the month of October to utilize some of the
new game equipment that was placed out there. A Ping Pong Table, a Bean Bag Toss set, giant Connect
Four, and a Foosball Table were the highlights of this activation. The items have been stored away for the
Winter so look for them to re-appear in the Spring of 2026.

 212 Canco Road, Suite A • Portland, Maine 04103
 Page 26 • www.portlandmaine.gov
 parkscommission@portlandmaine.gov
​

​ CITY OF PORTLAND​ CITY OF PORTLAND
​ Parks, Recreation & Facilities Department​ Parks, Recreation & Facilities Department
​ Ethan Hipple, Director​ Alex Marshall, Parks Director



Maine Mural Festival
A local muralist who goes by the name The Color Wizard, initiated the first year of the Maine Mural
Festival which took place down in East Bayside along the Bayside Trail. This festival brought in 25
professional graffiti artists from all over New England to showcase some of their work on the exterior
building walls along the Bayside Trail between Cove and Diamond Streets. The artwork spans 20,000
sq/ft of primed walls and is truly impressive to see.

Lincoln Park Fence Celebration
On November 3rd, City Staff and the Friends of Lincoln Park hosted a celebration of the completion of
50% of the Lincoln Park Fence restoration. Special guests included the contracted Conservator, the
Mayor, The District Councilor and others. It was a beautiful day to shine a light on this accomplishment.
A huge Thank You goes out to the Friends Group who carried the financial weight of the Pearl Street
section by raising over $100,000 of the $180,000 project.

Trott Littlejohn Fitness Station Installed on Peaks Island​
The Friends of Trott Littlejohn Park and city Playgrounds Staff worked to install a new fitness station near
the Peaks Island Community Garden. It was a great partnership that resulted in a wonderful new piece of
exercise equipment for folks to use out on the island.



Park Projects and Department Updates
Staff are working on the following Park Improvement projects:
 ●​ Deering Oaks Park ADA Walkway improvements: Phase 3, providing ADA access to the wading
 ravine, was completed in the Summer of 2023. Phase 4, which is the sidewalk along Tennis Court
 Drive, is going out to bid later this Summer for a potential Fall 2025 or Spring 2026 construction.
 ●​ Riverton Preserve: Recreation improvement plans are in progress and will consist primarily of a
 trail network with other improvements. This project is intended to fulfill LWCF conversion
 requirements, and final approval of the improvement plan rests with the state and National Park
 Service, which has a public engagement process.
 ●​ Lower Western Prom Park Improvements: This project has been bid out and did not receive a bid
 within the allocated budget, so it will be revised and re-advertised in the coming months.
 ●​ Longfellow Elementary School Playground: Playground Equipment has been selected. The project
 went out to bid in the Spring of 2025 only to receive one bid substantially over the budget for
 the project. Portland School Staff and Park Project Managers are working through the next steps
 to keep this project going.
 ●​ Portland Harbor Common: Ground breaking will be happening in November
 ●​ Stroudwater Bridge: Bids have been received and the contract is being finalized.
 ●​ Public Restrooms: So far, the city has installed 15 new public restrooms citywide over the past 3

 212 Canco Road, Suite A • Portland, Maine 04103
 Page 27 • www.portlandmaine.gov
 parkscommission@portlandmaine.gov
​

​ CITY OF PORTLAND​ CITY OF PORTLAND
​ Parks, Recreation & Facilities Department​ Parks, Recreation & Facilities Department
​ Ethan Hipple, Director​ Alex Marshall, Parks Director


 years. Recent modifications were done to the units at The Eastern Promenade, Commercial
 St/Fish Pier, and Fox Field to include a vault for increased storage capacity. 4 more public
 restrooms are on the way with one at Lower Western Promenade, 1 at the Spring and High
 street parking lot, and 2 at the Eastern Promenade near the existing bathhouse.




 212 Canco Road, Suite A • Portland, Maine 04103
 Page 28 • www.portlandmaine.gov
 parkscommission@portlandmaine.gov