Improvements at the Harbor Park and Marina

Harbor Park and Marina Improvements and Spring 2025 Reopening

The Harbor Park and Marina area saw many improvements this spring, just in time for the 2025 season. Below are the details and a photo gallery showing the work.

In mid-April, the main harbor parking lot was re-paved, and the adjacent boat trailer parking area received pavement for the first time. Prior to paving, the boat trailer lot was excavated and leveled by the Ellsworth Public Works (EPW) team. During the process, crews uncovered an old building foundation beneath the surface, which delayed work for part of a rainy morning. Despite the setback, Northeast Paving completed the project between April 16–18.

In early April, we saw the reinstallation of floating docks and mooring balls. Additional underwater work was needed when it was discovered the floating moorings required reattachment so a diver was brought in to inspect and secure the chains.

EPW also installed two new concrete pads near the Harbormaster’s shack, which now support newly added pergolas—an attractive new feature for the waterfront park.

Line striping was completed on May 11 and 12, and the Harbor Park and Marina officially reopens for the season on May 15 with the return of the Deputy Harbormaster John Babine.

A special touch this year: More trees! An Autumn Blaze maple tree and Red Sunset maple tree were donated by City Councilor Tabatha White for the 2024 Franklin Street Parklet are now planted along the back of the boat trailer lot, near the food truck area. The trees had overwintered at the EPW garage and add a welcome bit of greenery to the Harbor.

Again this year, we welcome back seasonal favorite Salsa Shack! Cory will be opening Salsa Shack for business starting May 14.

We invite residents and visitors to come down and enjoy the refreshed waterfront!

Click photos to enlarge.