York, Maine, is set to enhance Sohier Park with new amenities and improved safety for visitors.
YORK: Sohier Park is getting a makeover! They’re planning to add new benches, greenery, and better parking, all with a view of the famous Nubble Lighthouse.
The Parks and Recreation team wants to make the park safer and more pedestrian-friendly. Pete Murray, the director, shared this exciting news with the town Selectboard. The lighthouse attracts tons of visitors every summer, so it’s a big deal for York.
They’re looking at a $3.6 million upgrade, but luckily, they already have $1.3 million set aside. The goal is to avoid asking voters for more money, possibly funding it through fundraising and gift shop sales.
Selectboard member Robert Palmer is on board with the project but wants to see a clear funding plan. The renovations are expected to take about two years, starting in fall 2026, with breaks during the busy summer season.
Landscape architect Todd Richardson mentioned that the project could happen in two phases. The first phase, costing around $2.2 million, will focus on the area closest to the lighthouse. The second phase will improve the entrance and nearby areas for about $1.4 million.
They’ll also fix storm damage and update the park’s infrastructure, including new curbs and lighting. Richardson pointed out that pedestrians often stand too close to traffic, so new crosswalks and paths will help keep everyone safe.
Parking is another big focus. They currently have 48 spaces, but they plan to nearly double that. Some spaces will be removed during construction, but they’ll make sure not to reduce parking during peak tourist times.
There’s also a plan for a new bus loading zone to keep buses from crowding the area. Plus, they want to add a deck at the Nubble Light Gift Shop for displaying items.
To beautify the park, they’ll install sturdy benches and plant native plants that thrive in Maine’s climate. Richardson believes these plants can be just as beautiful as ornamental ones when arranged well.
During the meeting, concerns about congestion at the park were raised, especially during events. Committee member Tony Knox highlighted safety issues that arose during the Nubble lighting ceremony last year.
Town Manager Peter Joseph suggested renting the park for private events to help fund the project. He mentioned that a few high-profile events could generate significant revenue.
Murray noted that any bond approved by voters could be paid back with the gift shop’s annual revenue, which is about $200,000. The Selectboard seems open to this idea.
However, not everyone is on board. Phyllis Fox, who runs a nearby lobster house, expressed concerns about the project being planned without informing local business owners. She’s also against the idea of private bookings for the park.
Despite the concerns, the committee is moving forward with the project. The Selectboard chair emphasized that there will be plenty of opportunities for community feedback as the planning continues.
In the end, they hope to secure support from the community for these much-needed upgrades to Sohier Park.
