This is the second in a series of articles summarizing key sections of Harpswell’s draft comprehensive plan. This submission will address the topics of recreation and community services, public facilities, and transportation. Look for more topics to be addressed in the September Anchor.
Recreation and community services
A key part of the town’s vision statement calls for improving recreational opportunities for all age groups. Currently, the town has an array of recreational opportunities and facilities that can be accessed by land, including 14 trails and preserves, Mitchell Field, Houghton Graves Park, and Bowdoin College’s Schiller Coastal Studies Center. Seven more preserves and three Maine Coast Heritage Trust islands can be accessed by water.
To preserve and enhance these recreational assets, the comprehensive plan contains the following recommendations:
- First, maintain a strong Department of Recreation and Community Services to oversee current and future development.
- Second, explore opportunities to develop small playgrounds (“tot lots”) in safe, accessible areas throughout the town to serve young families.
- Third, create additional gathering spaces and picnic areas to promote community connections and small social events.
- Fourth, create a plan to address overcrowding at public boat launches and improve water access for recreational use.
- Fifth, resources permitting, develop an “all-weather” recreational space that can accommodate activities throughout the year for all age groups.
Public facilities
The town provides vital public facilities and services for its residents, including waste management and recycling, fire and emergency medical services, law enforcement, libraries, and access to public education. While all of these services are being provided with skill and professionalism, each faces unique challenges that must be addressed moving forward. The comprehensive plan makes the following recommendations:
- To meet future waste management and recycling needs, continue to invest in the modernization and refurbishment of the Recycling Center. Recycling should be promoted through public education, and recycling rates should be tracked to measure efficiency.
- Fire and rescue services are critical to Harpswell’s aging population. To maintain a high level of service, the town must continue to invest in equipment modernization and training. Recruitment and training of members for the three volunteer departments remain problematic and require continued attention and innovation. To meet future needs, the town should explore the feasibility of building a centrally located emergency services facility on town-owned land off Mountain Road. This may require additional paid firefighters. Consideration also should be given to upgrading the Cundy’s Harbor station and funding improvements to emergency communications infrastructure. Funding for around-the-clock medical services provided via Mid Coast Hospital should also continue.
- Law enforcement services are currently provided by the Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office. These should be maintained, with consideration given to expanding services during the summer, when Harpswell’s population increases.
- Harpswell’s libraries will play an important role in the town’s future, as sources of both educational materials and cultural development. The town should continue to strongly support its libraries. The current relationship with Curtis Memorial Library in Brunswick should also continue, provided it makes economic sense for residents.
- Providing educational services is vital to the future of any town, and Harpswell is no exception. The town currently supports its students as a member of Maine School Administrative District 75. However, declines in student enrollment in recent years forced the closure of one elementary school in West Harpswell and threaten the remaining elementary school on Route 24. While declines in student enrollment are occurring throughout the U.S., and Harpswell may not be able to reverse those declines, the comprehensive plan recommends two steps. First, work with MSAD 75 partners to maintain the highest possible educational experience for all students. Second, work to increase collaboration between Harpswell students and local research and development entities, such as Schiller Coastal Studies Center and Quahog Bay Conservancy, to enhance educational content and opportunities for students.
Transportation
Harpswell has two numbered state roads, Routes 123 and 24, that serve as primary access points for the town. In addition, Cundy’s Harbor Road connects the village of Cundy’s Harbor to Route 24, while Mountain Road connects Route 123 to Route 24. This relatively simple road pattern is supplemented by numerous town-owned and private roads, which provide access to a majority of Harpswell residences.
Despite its simple layout, Harpswell’s road network is vulnerable to sea level rise at a number of locations. With this in mind, the following goals and strategies are recommended in the comprehensive plan:
- Understand and mitigate the impacts of climate change on Harpswell’s road system, focusing on Routes 123 and 24, Cundy’s Harbor Road and Mountain Road.
- Prepare engineering designs for roads threatened by sea level rise and/or coastal storms.
- Maintain a safe road network that provides adequate community access throughout the year.
- Ensure funding, staffing and equipment exists for ongoing road maintenance.
- Encourage residents living on private roads to properly maintain road surfaces in a way that permits access by emergency vehicles and routine traffic.
- Work closely with the Maine Department of Transportation to ensure projects align with town goals.
