Section 9: Recreation and Open Space

Recreation and Open Space

SECTION 9: RECREATION AND OPEN SPACE

“Life is best enjoyed when time periods are evenly divided between labor, sleep, and recreation...all people should spend one-third of their time in recreation which is rebuilding, voluntary activity, never idleness.” Brigham Young.

“Leave all the afternoon for exercise and recreation, which are as necessary as reading. I will rather say more necessary because health is worth more than learning.” Thomas Jefferson.

1. Statement of State and Local Goals.

A. State Goals:

1. To promote and protect the availability of outdoor recreation opportunities for all Maine citizens, including access to surface waters.

B. Local Goals:

For Discussion:

Goal from the 1999 Comprehensive Plan:

GOAL: To promote and protect the availability of outdoor recreation opportunities for all Biddeford citizens, including access to surface waters.

2. What is happening? (Conditions and Trends)

A. Background:

The City of Biddeford has many recreational opportunities open to residents and visitors. With eighteen parks including three salt water beaches, seven recreational facilities and ten other recreational-type facilities, Biddeford supports a strong recreational environment. As the population grows and/or changes demographically (refer to Demographics), however, the demand and need for recreational options evolves.

B. Current Recreational Facilities and Programs in Biddeford:

1. Biddeford’s Beaches, Open Spaces, and Parks:

Biddeford City Square. Biddeford City Square is located adjacent to City Hall at 205 Main Street. It is a public space where activities such as Christmas tree lighting occurs.

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Condition: N/A – City Square is essentially a location within the sidewalk. Needs: None.

Biddeford Pool Beach/Gilbert R. Boucher Memorial Park. Located off Beachhouse Lane this is a large sandy beach that offers opportunities for swimming general beach activities. Small boats may also be able to be launched at this location via hand-carry. There is a bathhouse for changing and restrooms. The City of Biddeford provides lifeguards in the summer months. There is a substantial amount of parking available (approximately 100 cars). Seasonal beach parking permits are required for the summer months.

Condition: Bathhouse - Good; Walkways - Good Needs: Additional Parking is needed. Walkway improvements to reduce the grade from the sea wall to the beach are needed. The grass area of the upper lot should be investigated for invasive species control.

Biddeford RiverWalk. The Biddeford RiverWalk is an evolving project intended to connect Mechanics Park on Water Street to the Diamond Match Park project (future) and points west including the Eastern Trail. To date the RiverWalk project connects Mechanics Park to the City of Saco via a concrete walkway 135 foot pedestrian bridge over the Saco River to Saco Island, thus connecting to Saco’s RiverWalk. The RiverWalk also continues through the North Dam Mill complex to Laconia Plaza located on the Saco River. The City of Biddeford’s recently completed a master plan that conceptually lays out the future RiverWalk from Laconia Plaza to the Diamond Match site via alternate routes along the river, with potential further connections to the City of Saco via two additional pedestrian bridges. In 2016 the City completed, with the assistance of Wright-Pierce Engineers, a RiverWalk Master Plan Update.

Condition: Excellent Needs: Seating on the Overlook by Main Street. Implementation of the 2016 Master Plan Update.

Cannon Park. Cannon Park is located at the northwest corner of the intersection of Main Street and Lincoln Street. Currently there is limited public access to Cannon Park but it is maintained by the Department of Public Works.

Condition: Very Good Needs: None Known

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Canopy Park. Located at 65 Bacon Street between Piersons Lane and Sullivan Street this small passive park features intersecting walkways, benches, and trees/landscape in this dense residential neighborhood.

Condition: Very Good Needs: None Known

Clifford Park. This park owned by the city of Biddeford now comprises approximately 160 acres of land, most of which is undeveloped, but contains a significant trail system. The front of the park located at 130 Pool Street contains a playground, basketball court, two tennis courts, mini skate park, horseshoe pits, picnic areas and tables, and a trailhead. There is also parking available for up to 34 vehicles and restrooms.

Condition: Very Good Needs: Trail work is required to conform to the purchase agreement. The tennis courts need resurfacing. Story Walk and Mini Skatepark upgrades are needed. Need to improve seasonal park monitoring. Basketball court needs resurfacing. Additional picnic tables should be acquired to address capacity issues. Security cameras are needed.

Diamond Match Park. This park is not yet constructed but a Master Plan was completed in July 2010. The parcel of landed is owned by the city of Biddeford now comprises approximately 9.8 acres of land that is undeveloped.

Condition: N/A – Undeveloped Vacant Land. Needs: Implementation of the July 2010 Master Plan.

Fortunes Rocks Beach. Located approximately 1 mile southwest of Biddeford Pool, this large two (2) mile long sandy beach offers opportunities for swimming and general beach activities. Small boats may also be able to be launched at this location via hand-carry. Many people also use this area for surfing. There are seasonal portable bathrooms and the City of Biddeford provides lifeguards in the summer months. There is some on-street parking available (approximately 50 cars). Seasonal beach parking permits are required for the summer months.

Condition: Very Good Needs: Additional Parking

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Foav Court Park. Located on FOAV Court between Bacon St., Chapel Street this small pocket park serves the immediate residential neighborhood.

Condition: Good Needs: None

Liberty Park. Liberty Park is a small park located at the corner of Main Street and Hill Street. It is primarily used as a passive space with limited seating.

Condition: Fair Needs: Rehab of this park is overdue. Ground work is required as tree roots have caused the ground to become uneven.

Mechanics Park. Mechanics Park is located at the corner of Main Street and Water Street. It features a walking path down to a River Overlook and great views of the Saco River. It also contains a gazebo where events such as weddings occasionally occur, picnic tables and feeding seating, bicycle parking, and a fitness station. Parking is available on Water Street as well as at what is referred to as the Gas House parking lot adjacent to the Wastewater Treatment Plant. It is a fairly well used passive park with quite a bit of open green space. Future plans include additional walking trails along the river and a possible carry-in canoe and/or kayak launch.

Condition: Upper level - Very Good; Lower Level - Fair to Poor. Needs: Lower Level is in need of major repairs to the wall between the park and river. A sink hole has developed making one section of the lower level hazardous. The remainder of the park needs a solution to overgrown vegetation creating potential unsafe areas for visitors. Purchase of a piece of property between the Current Park and former CMP piece is desirable to create a singular park along the river. Security cameras are needed.

Memorial Park (Mayfield). Memorial Park is located at 130 May Street and is probably the city of Biddeford’s most used Park. It contains a sizable playground (approximately 8000 ft.² in size), two Little League fields, one softball field, recreational hall, one basketball court, and three tennis courts, tennis wall, Learning Trail and seasonal restrooms. There is very limited parking available at most parking is accomplished on May Street and other surrounding local streets.

Condition: Recreation Hall - Fair; Fields - Very Good; Playground - Very Good; Tennis wall - Fair; Tennis Courts - Good. Needs: Recreation Hall needs a new roof, new windows. The rest rooms should be reconfigured so both may be accessed from the field side. Playground needs equipment to meet needs of toddlers.

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Middle Beach. Middle Beach is located opposite of Bridge Road at its intersection with Mile Stretch Road. Is a flat sandy beach and the City of Biddeford provides lifeguards in the summer months. There are no restrooms at Middle Beach. There is a limited amount of parking available (approximately 25 cars)on Beach Avenue directly across from Bridge Road. Seasonal beach parking permits are required for the summer months.

Condition: Very Good Needs: Additional parking and the control of invasive species.

Park in the Pines. Park in the Pines is a small passive park located at 194 Hills Beach Road. It offers tremendous views of Biddeford Pool and its wildlife. It also provides access to the pool for hand-carried boats such as canoes and kayaks. Park includes a Bocce Ball Court. There are no parking or restroom facilities at this park.

Condition: Very Good Needs: Volunteers have requested a water source to maintain plants and flowers within the park.

Pierson’s Lane Playground. This is a small neighborhood playground intended for younger children ages 6 to 12. There is also a small community garden located here. The playground is located at 38-40 Pierson’s Lane, just north of Bacon Street.

Condition: Good Needs: A fence between the properties adjacent to the park to help maintain park cleanliness. Additional playground equipment is needed for toddlers. Fence repairs are needed. Security cameras are needed.

Rotary Park. Rotary Park is a popular park located at 550 Main Street on the Saco River. It is 72 acres in size and features walking trails, two playgrounds, the softball field with lights, youth football field, the teen center, a dog park, Skate Park, picnic tables and grills, a sand volleyball court, and a beach for access for swimming in the Saco River. It also features a boat launch for access to this non- tidal portion of the Saco River. Further, Rotary Park is a popular location for winter sledding with its hilly terrain.

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the clay has become a hazard. In general the projects laid out in the 2009 Master Plan should be addressed. Invasive species located throughout the park (2016 report) need to be dealt with. Security Cameras are needed. Martel Field backstop needs replacing. Minor fence repairs are also needed.

Shevenell Park. This pocket passive park located at 149 Main Street in the heart of Downtown Biddeford is a popular park for residents, visitors, and employees in the downtown area. It has seating available with seasonal tables and chairs, benches, and also houses the popular Music in the Park series.

Condition: Fair Needs: The park is overdue for an upgrade. There is a similar issue with the grounds as with Liberty Park where the root system of the mature trees have caused the ground to become uneven making it a hazard in some spots. Security Cameras are needed.

St. Louis Field. St. Louis field located at 284 Hill St. contains two full size baseball fields and additional all-purpose grassed areas. One of the baseball fields has restrooms and lights. Unorganized activities can occur here but require a field permit from Recreation Department.

Condition: Fields - Very Good; Building - Fair. Needs: St. Louis Building needs new exterior doors, a new garage door, exterior trim work and the girls restroom needs to be ADA compliant. Bleachers need safety rails replacement. The backstop needs to be replaced. The fencing needs to be replaced on the Prospect and West Street sides. Field #1 needs irrigation. Security Cameras are needed.

Staples Street Beach. Staples St., Beach is located at the end of Staples Street in Biddeford Pool is a small rocky beach that is maintained by the Biddeford Pool Improvement Association. There is no parking available so access is pedestrian only.

Condition: N/A - Natural rocky beach. Needs: None that can be met.

Town Landing. Town Landing is a laid out city street, approximately 15 feet wide, that provides access to the Saco River from Hills Beach Road within the UNE campus.

Condition: Fair

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Needs: For the public to be able to access this location signage/demarcation is needed.

Veterans Memorial Park. This park is located at the corner Pool Street and Alfred Street (2 Pool Street). It is largely grass and landscape with a monument and several flagpoles.

Condition: Excellent Needs: None Known

Vines Landing. Vines Landing is located at the westerly end of Lester B. Orcutt Boulevard at what is locally referred to as “the gut”. It is a passive park with a gravel boat launch and features great scenic views of Biddeford Pool, the Atlantic Ocean, and Wood Island Lighthouse. There is limited parking available at Vines Landing.

Condition: Very Good Needs: Boat ramp.

Washington Street Park. Located at 75 Washington Street this pocket park of approximately 800 to 900 ft.² in size is immediately adjacent to the Washington Street parking lot at the corner of Washington Street and Jefferson Street. It has a hardscape surface with landscaping around it and bench for sitting.

Condition: Very Good Needs: None Known

Waterhouse Field. Waterhouse Field is a large football field located at the corner of Prospect Street and West Street. The facilities include restrooms, a large concession stand, and meeting space in a separate building. Waterhouse Field is owned and operated by the Waterhouse Field Alumni Association and is largely used only for high school athletic programs.

Condition: Poor Needs: From the Portland Press Herald, December 26, 2016: “The field needs new bleachers, lights, light poles, new locker rooms and a scoreboard and sound system. The grass field also needs to be replaced as it is not wide enough to be used as a regulation soccer and lacrosse field. Officials are looking to replace it with an artificial surface.“

West Brook Skating Rink. West Brook Skating Rink is located at 234 Pool Street and is now owned by the City of Biddeford but is still operated by the West

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Brook Skating Rink Association. It has offered low-cost public skating options since the 1920’s.

Condition: Good Needs: Erosion issues remain along Pool Street.

William A. Doran Sr. Field. This field located at the corner of Main Street and South Street features a full size softball field, a small playground, and is used by the Biddeford High School Field Hockey Program. Parking is available adjacent to the softball field.

Condition: Field - Very Good; Playground - Poor Needs: Playground requires updating. Pump House needs replacing and fence repairs are needed.

Williams Court Park. Located at the corner of Williams Court and South Street this relatively new neighborhood park features open green space, park benches, a small natural landscape play area, and a community garden.

Condition: Very Good Needs: Reseeding for grass growth.

2. Other Biddeford Recreational Facilities:

Biddeford High School. Located at 20 Maplewood Avenue the Biddeford High School offers a football field, running track, and two gymnasiums. Aside from student activities other activities that currently occur at the High School facilities include, but are not limited to, the following:

Condition: Indoor Facilities: Excellent Outdoor Facilities: Poor/Fair Needs: The track needs resurfacing and will need to be replaced within the next 5 five years.

Biddeford Ice Arena. The Biddeford Ice Arena is owned by the City of Biddeford and is located at 14 Pomerleau Street. The arena hosts a number of youth and adult hockey events as well as provide for public skating.

Condition: N/A – Privately Operated Needs: Unknown

Biddeford Intermediate/Middle School. The Biddeford Intermediate and Middle School is located at 335 Hill Street. At the school complex there is a baseball diamond and two softball fields, a football field, and outdoor basketball courts.

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Within the school there is also a gymnasium. Aside from student activities other activities that currently occur at the Intermediate and Middle School facilities include, but are not limited to, the following:

Condition: Indoor Facilities: Good Outdoor Fields and Ball Diamonds: Poor Needs: Outdoor facilities in need of renovation, particularly the Ball Diamonds.

Biddeford Primary School. Biddeford Primary School is located practically across the street from the Intermediate and Middle School at 320 Hill Street. The Primary School features one Little League field and a gymnasium. Aside from student activities other activities that currently occur at the Primary School facilities include, but are not limited to, the following:

Condition: Indoor Facilities: Good Outdoor Field: Poor Needs: The outdoor field is in need of renovation.

J. Richard Martin Community Center. The Community Center is located at 189 Alfred Street. The facility is managed by the Biddeford Recreation Department and is currently the home of such tenants and uses as:  The Biddeford Recreation Department Offices;  The Ross Senior Center;  The Meals on Wheels Kitchen;  SARSSM, Sexual Assault Response Services of Southern Maine;  Adult Education;  Community Partners;  LaKermesse;  Auditorium;  Gymnasium; and  Classrooms  Biddeford High School Cheering An assortment of programs are offered at the community center including fitness, yoga, bingo, other games, basketball, and martial arts, to name a few.

Condition: Good Needs: See Oakpoint Report. Some major items include; heating system replacement (at minimum the two boilers), window replacement, parking lot paving and playground improvements.

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Kennedy (JFK) School. Kennedy school is located at the intersection of West Street and Hill Street across from St. Louis Field and is Biddeford’s kindergarten school. The facilities here are largely used by the school and include three (3) basketball courts and two (2) playgrounds.

Condition: Undetermined Needs: Undetermined

Teen Center @ Rotary Park. The Teen Center at 550 Main Street offers pool tables, air hockey, foosball, video games, internet service, electronic darts, library, cooking projects, board games and more. Occasionally the Teen Center offers transportation to the Maine Mall for shopping and browsing. On Wednesdays and Thursday the Recreation Department provides transportation to the Teen Center located at Rotary Park from BMS.

Condition: Very Good Needs: None at this time.

3. Other Recreational Facilities and Open Spaces/Partners:

Blanding’s Park Wildlife Sanctuary. Blandings Park Wildlife Sanctuary was founded in 2006 as a public charity 501 (c) 3 grass roots land trust. It is located off Pool Street at Blanding’s Way approximately one (1) mile east of Downtown Biddeford. The Sanctuary now has over 200+ acres of valuable wildlife habitat preserved which consists of a network of trails with a trails map available online (www.bpws.org) or at the trailhead.

Eastern Trail. The off-road section of the Eastern Trail, part of the East Coast Greenway, begins at Southern Maine Health Care at West Cole Road and continues through to the Town of Arundel. This off-road portion of the trail from West Cole Road to the Arundel Town Line is a gravel trail maintained by the City of Biddeford Public Works Department. North of West Cole Road the Eastern Trail is on-road following Barra Road across Thatcher Brook through Cathedral Oaks and down South Street and Main Street to Route One where it then proceeds North crossing into the City of Saco. There are conceptual thoughts about and off-road connection with Saco which would run parallel of existing railroad bridge over the Saco River.

East Point Sanctuary. It’s point sanctuary is owned by Maine Audubon and is located on the far eastern tip of Biddeford Pool - it is located directly North East of the Abanakee Golf Club. There is virtually no parking here and no restrooms but it is very well known for wildlife viewing, particularly birds.

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Kennebunkport Conservation Trust. The Kennebunkport Conservation Trust owns .92 acres of land at 501 West Street and has a conservation easement over 99 acres of land at 880 Pool street (City of Biddeford Open Space Plan, November, 2012).

Marblehead Boat Launch. Marblehead boat launch is a state of Maine facility located off Pool Street. It is heavily used particularly in the summer months. Portable restrooms are provided. There are two boat ramps and a pier at this location which makes it an ideal location for boat launching into the Saco River. There is parking for approximately 60 vehicles including trailers.

Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge (U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service). In Maine the “Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge was established in 1966 in cooperation with the State of Maine to protect valuable salt marshes and estuaries for migratory birds. Located along 50 miles of coastline in York and Cumberland counties, the refuge consists of eleven divisions between Kittery and Cape Elizabeth. It will contain approximately 14,600 acres when land acquisition is complete. The proximity of the refuge to the coast and its location between the eastern deciduous forest and the boreal forest creates a composition of plants and animals not found elsewhere in Maine. Major habitat types present on the refuge include forested upland, barrier beach/dune, coastal meadows, tidal salt marsh, and the distinctive rocky coast.” Source: https://www.fws.gov/refuge/rachel_carson/about.html.

In Biddeford there are two divisions of the Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge: the Biddeford Pool Division and the Little River Division. The Biddeford Pool Division controls property on the west side of Biddeford Pool off Old Pool Road. The Little River Division controls several properties on the east side of Little River in Granite Point including Timber Point and Timber Island. At the southernmost extent of Granite point Road there is a small parking area which leads to what is referred to as Timber Point Trail which runs along the west side of Timber Point. At low tide Timber Island can be accessed from the southernmost tip of this trail.

Rachel Carson’s total acreage between the Little River Division and the Biddeford Pool Division is approximately 244.55 acres (City of Biddeford Open Space Plan, November, 2012).

Saco Valley Land Trust. Saco Valley Land Trust owns or has easements on over 725 acres of land scattered throughout Biddeford (City of Biddeford Open Space Plan, November, 2012).

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South Point Sanctuary. South Point Sanctuary includes a pathway that runs from 7th Street southwest and ultimately to Biddeford Pool Beach. The land is owned and maintained by the Biddeford Pool Land Trust.

Wood Island. Wood Island is home to a Maine Audubon Nature Preserve as well as the U.S. Coast Guard’s Wood Island Lighthouse. The Nature Preserve is approximately 30 acres in size and offers opportunities for walking and nature viewing including wildlife.

Yates Street Park. Each Street Park is located next to Vines Landing in Biddeford Pool. As a park that was established by the Biddeford Pool Land Trust upon donation of the land from its former. It is a passive park with great views of Biddeford Pool is suitable for picnicking and birdwatching. Parking is very limited in the area.

York County YMCA. The northern York County YMCA is located at 3 Pomerleau Street. According to their website “The YMCA of Southern Maine has many programs and services that promote youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility at all branches. Programs and services unique to our Northern York County Branch include the Full Day Child Care Center, Camp Sokokis summer day camp, home of the Manta Rays swim team, hiking and walking trails, and high & low ropes courses.”

Community Bicycle Center. The Community Bicycle Center is located at 45 Granite Street and it exists to provide youth enrichment opportunities for personal growth through bicycling-related activities.

4. Public Access Points to Surface Waters:

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Condition: Excellent Needs: Seating on the Overlook by Main Street. Implementation of the 2016 Master Plan Update.

Condition: N/A – Undeveloped Vacant Land. Needs: Implementation of the July 2010 Master Plan.

Condition: N/A Needs: None known.

Fortunes Rocks Beach. Located approximately 1 mile southwest of Biddeford Pool, this large two (2) mile long sandy beach offers opportunities for swimming general beach activities. Small boats may also be able to be launched at this location via hand-carry. Many people also use this area for surfing. There are seasonal portable bathrooms and the City of Biddeford provides lifeguards in the summer months. There is a some on-street parking available (approximately 50 cars). Seasonal beach parking permits are required for the summer months.

Condition: Very Good Needs: Additional Parking

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Marblehead Boat Launch. Marblehead boat launch is a State of Maine facility located off Pool Street. It is heavily used particularly in the summer months. Portable restrooms are provided. There are two boat ramps and a pier at this location which makes it an ideal location for boat launching into the Saco River. There is parking for approximately 60 vehicles including trailers.

Condition: N/A – State Owned Needs: Unknown

Condition: Very Good Needs: Additional parking and the control of invasive species.

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Condition: Very Good Needs: Volunteers have requested a water source to maintain plants and flowers within the park.

Condition: N/A Needs: None Known

Condition: Bathhouse - Good; Teen Center - Very Good Needs: Bathhouse expansion would be helpful in order to add a family restroom and changing area. Dog Park-lights should be installed. Certain sections of the swimming area need to be addressed as the clay has become a hazard. In general the projects laid out in the 2009 Master Plan should be addressed. Invasive species

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located throughout the park (2016 report) need to be dealt with. Security Cameras are needed. Martel Field backstop needs replacing. Minor fence repairs are also needed.

Condition: N/A Needs: None Known

Town Landing. Town Landing is a laid out city street, approximately 15 feet wide, that provides access to the Saco River from Hills Beach Road within the UNE campus.

Condition: Fair Needs: For the public to be able to access this location signage/demarcation is necessary.

Condition: Very Good Needs: Boat ramp

Condition: N/A Needs: None Known

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Condition: N/A Needs: None Known

C. Challenges to Access to Water Resources.

1. Atlantic Ocean – Granite Point/Timber Point.

Other than Timber Point, recently incorporated into the Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge (U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service) holdings, there is no public access available to the Atlantic Ocean in the Granite Point/Timber Point area of Biddeford. Properties abutting the Atlantic Ocean in this area are privately owned and there is virtually no public parking available in the area.

2. Atlantic Ocean – Fortunes Rocks.

Located approximately 1 mile southwest of Biddeford Pool, Fortunes Rocks Beach is a large two (2) mile long sandy beach offers opportunities to the public for swimming and general beach activities. Small boats may also be able to be launched at this location via hand-carry. Many people also use this area for surfing. There are seasonal portable bathrooms and the City of Biddeford provides lifeguards in the summer months. There is some on-street parking available (approximately 50 cars). Seasonal beach parking permits are required for the summer months. The largest challenge here is limited public parking.

3. Atlantic Ocean – Mile Stretch.

Middle Beach is located opposite of Bridge Road at its intersection with Mile Stretch Road and is the only public access available to the Atlantic Ocean in the vicinity of Mile Stretch Road until further north at the Biddeford Pool Beach/Gilbert R. Boucher Memorial Park. Is a flat sandy beach and the City of Biddeford provides lifeguards in the summer months. There are no restrooms at Middle Beach. There is a limited amount of parking available (approximately 25 cars) on Beach Avenue directly across from Bridge Road. Seasonal beach parking permits are required for the summer months. The primary challenge to public access here is limited parking.

4. Atlantic Ocean – Hills Beach.

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There is very limited access to the beach at Hills Beach due to limited access points and limited available parking. The greater issue appears to be legal issues regarding the public’s rights to the use of the beach, which is being litigated at this time.

5. Atlantic Ocean – Biddeford Pool.

There are many opportunities for public access to the Atlantic Ocean in the Biddeford Pool area. A primary challenge, like many other areas in Biddeford, is largely the limited parking that is available given the demand for access, especially at Biddeford Pool Beach/Gilbert R. Boucher Memorial Park. East Point Sanctuary provides excellent visual access opportunities, Vines Landing provides a boat launch, and Wood Island provides an area for a boat pull-in as well as a walking trail with visual access to the Ocean.

6. Biddeford Pool.

The interior portion of Biddeford Pool, often referred to as “Back Bay”, has limited public access opportunities. Park in the Pines off Hills Beach road offers visual access and very limited access for carry-in boating. Vines Landing also provides access to “Back Bay” and includes a boat launch.

7. Little River.

There are no formal public access locations for Little River (tidal) and it would be challenging to create such public access due to the tidal marsh characteristics of this area.

8. Saco River (Tidal).

From the falls in Downtown Biddeford to the Atlantic Ocean there are limited public access points to the River. Marblehead Boat Launch (State of Maine) provides the greatest opportunity directly along the Saco River, but in summer month’s experiences very high demand. Town Landing at the University of New England is little know and is defined on the ground (i.e., most people would not know it existed, and if they did, may not be able to locate it).

9. Saco River (Non-tidal).

Other than visual access to the Saco River up-river of the falls, Rotary Park provides the only physical access to the River. There is a boat launch and opportunities for swimming in the Saco River here at the beach.

10. Other Significant Water Bodies.

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There are three ponds (although not classified as “Great Ponds”) in Biddeford: Lords Pond, Etherington Pond, and Lily Pond.

Lords Pond is located between Fortunes Rocks Road, Maddox Pond Road, and Thorndike Avenue. The primary public access to this Pond is visual from either Fortunes Rocks Road or Maddox Pond Road, although there is a publicly owned right-of-way from Thorndike Avenue to the Pond.

Etherington Pond is the largest of the ponds and is located just south of Lords Pond off Fortunes Rocks Road. The primary public access to this Pond is visual from Fortunes Rocks Road although much of that is at times obstructed by vegetation.

Lily Pond is located further south and again is located off Fortunes Rocks Road. Imeediately to the northwest of this Pond is a large parcel of land owned by the Rachel Carson National Wildlife Preserve. Although public access is possible through this parcel, the primary public access to this pond is visual access from the road.

D. Local and Regional Trail Systems.

1. Biddeford RiverWalk.

The Biddeford RiverWalk is an evolving project intended to connect Mechanics Park on Water Street to the Diamond Match Park project (future) and points west including the Eastern Trail. To date the RiverWalk project connects Mechanics Park to the City of Saco via a concrete walkway 135 foot pedestrian bridge over the Saco River to Saco Island, thus connecting to Saco’s RiverWalk. The RiverWalk also continues through the North Dam Mill complex to Laconia Plaza located on the Saco River. The City of Biddeford’s recently completed a master plan that conceptually lays out the future RiverWalk from Laconia Plaza to the Diamond Match site via alternate routes along the river, with potential further connections to the City of Saco via two additional pedestrian bridges. In 2016 the City completed, with the assistance of Wright-Pierce Engineers, a RiverWalk Master Plan Update.

2. Blanding’s Park Wildlife Sanctuary.

Blandings Park Wildlife Sanctuary was founded in 2006 as a public charity 501 (c) 3 grass roots land trust. It is located off Pool Street at Blanding’s Way approximately one (1) mile east of Downtown Biddeford. The Sanctuary now has over 200+ acres of valuable wildlife habitat preserved which consists of a

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network of trails with a trails map available online (www.bpws.org) or at the trailhead.

3. Clifford Park.

This park owned by the city of Biddeford now comprises approximately 160 acres of land, most of which is undeveloped, but contains a significant trail system. The front of the park is located at 130 Pool Street where the trailhead is located. There is parking available for up to 34 vehicles and restrooms.

4. Eastern Trail.

The off-road section of the Eastern Trail, part of the East Coast Greenway, begins at Southern Maine Health Care at West Cole Road and continues through to the Town of Arundel. It is a gravel trail that is maintained by the City of Biddeford. North of West Cole Road the Eastern Trail is on-road following Barra Road across Thatcher Brook through Cathedral Oaks and down South Street and Main Street to Route One where it then proceeds North crossing into the City of Saco. There are conceptual thoughts about and off-road connection with Saco which would run parallel of existing railroad bridge over the Saco River.

5. East Point Sanctuary.

East Point Sanctuary is owned by Maine Audubon and is located on the far eastern tip of Biddeford Pool - it is located directly North East of the Abanakee Golf Club. There is virtually no parking here and no restrooms but it is very well known for wildlife viewing, particularly birds.

6. Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge (U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service) – Timber Point.

The Little River Division of the Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge controls several properties on the east side of Little River in Granite Point including Timber Point and Timber Island. At the southernmost extent of Granite point Road there is a small parking area which leads to what is referred to as Timber Point Trail which runs along the west side of Timber Point. At low tide Timber Island can be accessed from the southernmost tip of this trail.

7. South Point Sanctuary.

South Point Sanctuary includes a pathway that runs from 7th Street southwest and ultimately to Biddeford Pool Beach. The land is owned and maintained by the Biddeford Pool Land Trust.

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8. Wood Island.

Wood Island is home to a Maine Audubon Nature Preserve as well as the U.S. Coast Guard’s Wood Island Lighthouse. The Nature Preserve is approximately 30 acres in size and offers opportunities for walking and nature viewing including wildlife.

E. Open Space.

In November 2012 The City of Biddeford Open Space Committee completed an Open Space Plan that provided an inventory of Open Space in Biddeford. It includes a complete inventory (as of 2012) of Open Space parcels held by the Biddeford Pool Land Trust, the Biddeford Pool Improvement Association, Blandings Park Wildlife Sanctuary, Rachel Carson National Wildlife Sanctuary, Maine Audubon, Saco Valley Land Trust, The State of Maine, the City of Biddeford, Eastern Trail, Kennebunkport Conservation Trust, RiverWalk, Maine Coast Heritage Trust, Nature Conservancy, and various other Conservation Easements.

The Open Space Plan can currently be found at: http://www.biddefordmaine.org/index.asp?SEC=45A349F5-F3F3-4F8E-9BA2- 50921852871A&Type=B_BASIC

3. What does it mean for Biddeford? (Analyses)

A. Will existing recreational facilities and programs in the community and region accommodate projected growth or changes in age groups in your community?

TBD

B. Is there a need for certain types of services or facilities or to upgrade or enlarge present facilities to either add capacity or make them more usable?

TBD

C. Are important tracts of open space commonly used for recreation publicly owned or otherwise permanently conserved?

Virtually all of the important tracts of opens space land used for recreation in Biddeford are either owned publicly (the United States of America and the Rachel Carson National Wildlife Sanctuary, the State of Maine, or the City of Biddeford) or are owned, or have conservation easements on them, by private non-profits such as Biddeford Pool Land Trust, Biddeford Pool Improvement Association, Blandings Park Wildlife Sanctuary,

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Maine Audubon, Saco Valley Land Trust, Eastern Trail Management District, Kennebunkport Conservation Trust, and Maine Coast Heritage Trust.

There may be some open space tracts of land that are used informally for such activities as hiking, cross country skiing, or snowmobiling, but these would be used as such by permission of private property owners.

D. Does the community have a mechanism, such as an open space fund or partnership with a land trust, to acquire important open spaces and access sites, either outright or through conservation easements?

The City of Biddeford does not have an open space fund or a formal relationship with a land trust (or similar agency).

E. Does the public have access to each of the community’s significant water bodies?

As illustrated above, the public has access to all of Biddeford’s water bodies including the Saco River, the Atlantic Ocean at various locations, and Biddeford Pool. Visual access is available to other water bodies including Lords Pond, Etherington Pond, and Lily Pond.

F. Are recreational trails in the community adequately maintained? Are there use conflicts on these trails?

The primary recreational trails in Biddeford encompass the RiverWalk, Clifford Park, the Eastern Trail, and trails not under the responsibility of the City of Biddeford such as those at Timber Point, East Point and South Point Sanctuary, Blanding’s Wildlife Sanctuary and Wood Island.

The RiverWalk is well maintained. The RiverWalk is maintained by the Department of Public Works and by volunteers through “Adopt-A-Park” and private property owners (primarily the owners of North Dam Mill/The Mills at Pepperell).

The Eastern Trail is also well maintained. The Eastern Trail is maintained by the Department of Public Works. Since the recent paving of the Eastern Trail from Cathedral Oaks to Barra Road little maintenance is required of this section.

Clifford Park trails are generally maintained by local volunteer groups. The Department of Public Works also performs some trash pick-up and deals with larger issues such as when there are washouts. The trails are in good condition.

The other trails not owned by the City are maintained by others.

G. Is traditional access to private lands being restricted?

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The City is not aware of any such restrictions.

4. Where do we want to do about it?” (Policies)

Minimum Required Components of the Policies Section:

1. To maintain/upgrade existing recreational facilities as necessary to meet current and future needs. 2. To preserve open space for recreational use as appropriate. 3. To seek to achieve or continue to maintain at least one major point of public access to major water bodies for boating, fishing, and swimming, and work with nearby property owners to address concerns.

1. To maintain/upgrade existing recreational facilities as necessary to meet current and future needs.

2. To preserve open space for recreational use as appropriate.

3. To seek to achieve or continue to maintain at least one major point of public access to major water bodies for boating, fishing, and swimming, and work with nearby property owners to address concerns.

For Discussion:

Policies from the 1999 Comprehensive Plan:

Subsection 1: Management of Outdoor Recreation

Policy 1: Develop a management system that promotes and protects outdoor recreation opportunities and facilities.

Subsection 2: Parks

Policy 1: Continue to protect and upgrade existing parks and recreational areas.

Policy 2: Promote, protect. and expand waterfront areas and parks as may be necessary to meet future growth while preserving undeveloped shoreland access areas.

Policy 3: Create wildlife preserves and regional parks for additional outdoor recreation as well as protection of critical wildlife habitat.

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5. What do we need to do to get there? (Implementation Strategies)

Minimum Required Components of the Implementation Strategies Section:

1. Create a list of recreation needs or develop a recreation plan to meet current and future needs. Assign a committee or community official to explore ways of addressing the identified needs and/or implementing the policies and strategies outlined in the plan. 2. Work with public and private partners to extend and maintain a network of trails for motorized and non-motorized uses. Connect with regional trail systems where possible. 3. Work with an existing local land trust or other conservation organizations to pursue opportunities to protect important open space or recreational land. 4. Provide educational materials regarding the benefits and protections for landowners allowing public recreational access on their property. At a minimum this will include information on Maine’s landowner liability law regarding recreational or harvesting use, Title 14, M.R.S.A. §159-A.

For Discussion:

Green: Done Blue: Partially Done Red: Not Done

Purple: Unclear/Unknown

Implementation Strategies from the 1999 Comprehensive Plan:

Subsection 1: Management of Outdoor Recreation

Policy 1: Develop a management system that promotes and protects outdoor recreation opportunities and facilities.

Implementation Strategies:

1a. Develop additional youth sports and recreation programs including a teen center. Develop a Community Information Calendar regarding these programs that inform the public as to their availability.

1b. Review and implement maintenance and security programs to enhance existing parks and recreation facilities. Insure appropriate funding to support maintenance and security programs.

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1c. Consider a Biddeford Winter Carnival or Festival.

1d. Develop a realistic city wide plan that identifies the need for and location of playgrounds, to lots, and associated parking spaces available within the City with specific emphasis on the Downtown neighborhoods.

1e. Perform a feasibility study to create a City-wide grounds and maintenance program. Review and implement as needed assignment of Parks and Recreation, City property, and school property grounds maintenance (i .e. mowing, trimming, athletic field maintenance and lining of fields). Adjust work force, equipment, and funding as needed.

Subsection 2: Parks

Policy 1: Continue to protect and upgrade existing parks and recreational areas.

Implementation Strategies:

1a. Conduct a needs assessment in order to prioritize improvements to existing recreational areas.

1b. Review Parks and Recreation Departments goals and objectives in the Strategic Plan dated June 1995 with emphasis placed on prioritizing projects and examining funding mechanisms possibly including a specific bond issue.

1c. Develop a parks plan for the City and clarify uses appropriate to each park.

1d. Continue development of Clifford Park facilities for active recreation along Pool Street entrance area and passive recreation in the interior of the park Continue work on expansion of the Park to connect with "Second Base" area. Pursue easements for connection of the Park to the Pool Street Ice Skating Pond.

1e. Continue development of Rotary Park as an active recreation area with development of additional ball fields, swimming, boating, and outdoor winter sports areas including use of the park of a winter carnival site.

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Policy 2: Promote, protect. and expand waterfront areas and parks as may be necessary to meet future growth while preserving undeveloped shoreland access areas.

Implementation Strategies:

2a. Update and continue development and implementation of the 1991 Waterfront Plan.

2b. Conduct a feasibility study to determine the development of a river front recreational area from Rotary Park east along the river to the former Diamond Property.

2c. Revise Municipal Shoreland Zoning standards to meet, at a minimum, state mandatory guidelines.

2d. Continue upgrading and maintenance of public beach parking and facilities.

Policy 3: Create wildlife preserves and regional parks for additional outdoor recreation as well as protection of critical wildlife habitat.

Implementation Strategies:

3a. The City should offer incentives to encourage use of conservation easements, land trusts, donations of land to the City for the purposes of access to recreation areas and protection of critical habitat.

3b. The City should review currently owned or acquired properties for possible inclusion in parks or preserves where appropriate.

3c. The City should work with Rachael Carson Wildlife Preserve, Maine Audubon, and other conservation groups regarding acquisition of properties for conservation uses. This would include utilizing their critical habitat data base and the possible conveyance of property to their organizations.

6. Who should do it, and when? (Implementation)

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