Green space: "Every little bit helps

Every time we drive or walk past Boothbay Harbor’s waterfront park, named the Whale Park, we can’t help but feel that the decision to build it was a wise one. Opponents argued at the time that in a town where public parking was limited, it was unwise to give up valuable parking space and turn it into a park. Some were convinced that having a public parking lot up the hill from the waterfront, near the municipal building and fire station, would be inconvenient and folks wouldn’t use it.

We understood their arguments about the loss of parking spaces, but the need for green space seemed to us to be more important at the time. We’re now more convinced than ever that the town made the right choice.

Folks don’t come to the coast to see parking lots; they come to enjoy the waterfront activity, either from land or on the sea. The waterfront park is very popular, and is a perfect place to rest, relax, and watch boating traffic. A bit of greenery – especially with a view – attracts visitors. We found that out when the Fishermen’s Memorial Park on the east side of the harbor, opposite Our Lady Queen of Peace Church, was completed. It immediately proved to be well-used, even in the "off’’ season.

If you think today’s visitors don’t much care about a little piece of green to get away from all the hustle and bustle, all you have to do is check out the number of annual visitors at the Land Trust properties here in the region. It’s mind-boggling to find out just how many use them.

While we keep talking about visitors enjoying the waterfront park, the Fishermen’s Memorial, and the Land Trust trails, we need to point out that our year-round residents love them and routinely use them as well.

The waterfront park is used for many events ranging from art shows to Fishermen’s Festival and Windjammer Days festivities, and is a perfect place to watch fireworks displays over the inner harbor.

In the years to come, as "urban sprawl’’ takes up more and more of rural America, places like the waterfront park will become even more valuable. Whenever the opportunity arises, we should worry less about tax revenues from potential commercial ventures and try to preserve some of these very special spots for future generations. Open space and vistas like the Mill Pond Overlook on Route 96 in East Boothbay and scores of other properties just like it are worth preserving. Everyone benefits.

Mary Brewer