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Main Street Skowhegan breaks ground on boardwalk; New Balance Foundation gives $1 million toward River Park project
Summary
Main Street Skowhegan announced construction of boardwalk phase one and a $1 million naming gift from the New Balance Foundation; phase one (about 4,187 sq ft, local cedar decking) starts this week and a groundbreaking is scheduled Monday at 11 a.m.
Main Street Skowhegan representatives updated the Select Board on June 23 that construction of boardwalk phase one for the Skowhegan River Park will begin this week, and announced a $1 million naming gift from the New Balance Foundation earmarked for later phases and match requirements.
Christina Cannon (Main Street) told the board phase one includes approximately 4,187 square feet of 17‑ft‑wide boardwalk using locally sourced northern white cedar decking. The work will be phased to preserve vehicle access for downtown businesses; construction fencing goes up and a pedestrian reroute will be in place while crews work on the walking-bridge approaches.
Funding and gifts: Cannon said phase one is supported by multiple funding sources, including a $334,000 Expedia Trails Fund award and earlier community project funding, and that since January the River Park effort has secured roughly $1.4 million in philanthropic and corporate commitments. She announced the New Balance Foundation’s $1 million naming gift; Main Street indicated those funds will not be used for phase one but will help fund phase two and meet matching requirements for a Northern Border Regional Commission Timber for Transit grant.
Whitewater park context and future phases: The boardwalk is one element of a larger River Park vision that also includes a whitewater park feature. Cannon said the whitewater element will require additional fundraising and that a $5.6 million congressional/community project request is currently advancing in appropriations for that component.
Groundbreaking: A public groundbreaking ceremony was scheduled for Monday at 11:00 a.m. in the riverfront parking lot behind the bakery; organizers asked the town and businesses to expect construction fencing and a short closure of the walking bridge during excavation and construction.
Ending: The board approved a parades and processions permit for the groundbreaking. No town taxpayer funds were committed at the meeting; representatives emphasized philanthropic and grant sources for the work.
