The City of Ellsworth Parks & Recreation department is responsible for the year-round care, maintenance, and stewardship of the City’s parks, athletic facilities, public greenspaces, and cemeteries. Parks & Rec staff provide seasonal and daily maintenance services for community assets including Harbor Park & Marina, Knowlton Park and its playground and splashpad, Moore Community Center, the DeMeyer & Wilson Field Athletic Complex, S.K. Whiting Park, Merrill Park, the Franklin Street Parklet, City Hall grounds and five City owned cemeteries. Responsibilities include lawn mowing and turf management, playground and facility upkeep, snow removal to maintain safe access to sidewalks and high-use recreation areas, and trail maintenance within the Branch Lake Public Forest.

In addition to maintaining these public spaces and facilities, the Parks & Rec team works to create, support, and promote outdoor recreation and community programming opportunities that enhance health, wellness, accessibility, inclusion, and overall quality of life for residents and visitors alike.

They are committed to fostering programs and activities that encourage community engagement and provide welcoming opportunities for people of all ages and abilities. Looking ahead, the team hopes to expand recreational and community offerings in ways that complement existing programs provided by local organizations, helping to create a robust, diverse, and collaborative network of activities and experiences throughout the community.

Click HERE to reach our Discover Ellsworth site. This is your one-stop site for all things Ellsworth! Discover Ellsworth is your guide to experiencing everything our community has to offer. Whether you’re planning a visit, looking for a night out, a day of retail therapy, or simply looking for your next adventure, you’ll find information on local attractions, events, dining, shopping, recreation, and the people who make Ellsworth such a special place to live, work, and explore.

Mission Statement for Ellsworth’s Parks and Rec Department:

To design, develop, and maintain high-quality parks, trails, waterfront amenities, and recreational programming that:

  • Enhances community wellness and equitable access for residents and visitors,
  • Leverages Ellsworth’s natural beauty, lakes, riverfront and extensive trail networks for public enjoyment,
  • Fosters inclusive public spaces, community engagement, and partnerships,
  • Supports environmental stewardship, sustainability, and economic vitality through outdoor recreation and tourism.
  • Parks
  • Swimming Areas
  • Walking Trails
  • Boat Launches
  • Meet Us
  • FAQ
  • Harbor Park & Marina

    Home of the Ellsworth Marina with summertime events including concerts in the park, a boat dock and slips, picnic tables and a fabulous display of wildlife.

    Knowlton Park

    Knowlton Park is a gathering place for fun! An open green space with picnic tables, a play ground, and splash pad, it’s almost always bustling with activity.

  • Branch Lake – Mill Pond Park

    Branch Lake – Sand Beach

    Green Lake – Nicolin Park

  • You don’t have to leave the city to find miles of scenic walking trails.

    Birdsacre Sanctuary

    An excellent place to hike during the summer, snowshoe and ski during the winter.

    Branch Lake Public Forest

    Three miles of trails which pass through various forest types, along a stream, to a large marsh, and to the shore of Branch Lake. Download a PDF trail map here.

    Indian Point Trail

    The spectacular view of Ellsworth and the Union River is easily worth the short hike out to the end of the point.

    Woodlawn Park

    Today they are used for cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, running, and walking.



  • Boats can be launched in the Union River at Harbor Park and at public boat launches on several lakes in Ellsworth.

    Branch Lake

    Because Branch Lake is the City of Ellsworth’s drinking water source, Branch Lake boat launch has strict regulations including a boat inspection before a craft can enter the water.

    Harbor Park & Marina

    Right in the heart of Downtown Ellsworth is the beautiful Harbor Park & Marina. Gas, moorings, restrooms, picnic areas and an east walk to downtown!

    Green Lake

    This is a city owned facility on the Nicolin Road off Rt. 1A.

    Graham Lake

    There are two boat launches on Graham Lake, one state owned on Route 179 and one city owned on Route 180.

    Patten Pond

    Just out of town on Route 172 in Surry is a launch to Lower Patten Pond.

    Leonard Lake

    Accessible only by carrying boat to the water.

  • How Do I Get a Mooring in Ellsworth Harbor?

    Call or stop by the Harbormaster’s office and pick up a waiting list application.

    All waiting lists are updated in the spring. To remain on the list you must fill out an application every year.

    When an appropriately sized spot becomes available, we will notify you and send you a MOORING application.

    The City will rent you the spot, the Harbormaster will assign a location for you.

    You will then need to buy or build a mooring to City specifications and be responsible for setting and maintaining it.

    How Do I Reserve Dock or Slip Space?

    To reserve a dock or slip space in Ellsworth’s Harbor Marina, call or stop by the Harbormaster’s office during the week (May to October). Office hours are 8:00AM to 5:00PM Phone 207-667-6311.