Community News Brief
Popham Beach State Park got a new upgrade this August that improves accessibility to the beach for people with disabilities. The new mobility pathway was funded through the Maine Jobs and Recovery Plan.
“I want every person to have access to Maine’s beautiful state parks, and with state parks more popular than ever before, it’s the perfect time to make these upgrades,” said Governor Mills. “This new mobility pathway, funded by my Maine Jobs and Recovery Plan and brought to fruition by members of the Phippsburg community, will help ensure all people can enjoy our parks for generations to come.”
Economic Benefit
In 2021, Maine’s 48 parks and historic sites welcomed more than 3.3 million visitors. These visitors generated an estimated $100 million in revenue for Maine’s economy.
Despite the popularity of the parks, it has been more than fifteen years since they have seen any meaningful investment. This has forced the state to defer much-needed maintenance on roads, trail systems, and other vital infrastructure.
“The pathway provides a smooth and even surface designed to assist wheelchair users and others with physical disabilities so they have greater access to the beach,” said Amanda Beal, Commissioner of the Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry.
“We are thrilled with this new beach path,” said Andy Cutko, Director of the Bureau of Parks and Lands. “Popham Beach State Park had more than 60,000 visitors in July alone, and we want everyone to be able to experience one of Maine’s most scenic State Parks.”
The Governor’s Job Plan dedicates $50 million to improve infrastructure at state parks across Maine. Also at coastal state parks, officials have implemented new shark sighting and visitor notification protocols.
