Breaking Ground on Portland’s New Waterfront Park
On Friday, April 10, the Portland Parks Conservancy joined the City of Portland, partners, and community members to celebrate the groundbreaking of a new public greenspace along the eastern waterfront, currently referred to as Portland Harbor Common.
After more than five years of planning, collaboration, and fundraising, this moment marks the start of a transformational project that will reconnect the public to Portland’s waterfront in a meaningful and lasting way.
The project was first envisioned by the late Richard “Dick” Barringer, a lifelong advocate for Maine’s public lands. His vision for an accessible, shared waterfront space brought together partners across the city and state, and continues to guide this work today. During the ceremony, we heard remarks from Martha Freeman, who reflected on Dick’s legacy and his deep commitment to protecting Maine’s outdoors.
Phase 1 will transform a 3.5-acre site, formerly used for ferry queuing and parking, into a vibrant and welcoming park for residents and visitors alike. The space will include walking and biking trails, open lawn areas, native plantings, and more than 35 new trees. Plans also feature flexible plaza space for events and food trucks, a waterfront promenade with seating and views, lighting, public art, and improved access and parking for nearby water-dependent uses.
We also heard remarks from Ethan Hipple, Director of Parks, Recreation, and Facilities, Mayor Mark Dion, and Jack Phillips, Executive Director of the Portland Parks Conservancy, who all paid respect to Dick and his lasting impact on this project and the broader community.
This project is made possible through the vision and generosity of many partners and supporters, including a Congressionally Directed Spending grant sponsored by Senator Angus King, City of Portland Capital Improvement funding, support from David E. Shaw, Maine Community Bank, and many others, as well as an Urban and Community Forestry grant from Project Canopy. The Portland Parks Conservancy has helped lead fundraising efforts, securing more than $2.5 million to support this phase of the project.
Construction will continue over the coming months, with the park expected to open in fall 2026. This is just the beginning, with future phases aiming to expand the park along the eastern waterfront and create even more opportunities for public access, programming, and connection.
If you’d like to support the completion of Portland Harbor Common, please consider making a donation.
