This summer, Cliff Theall and Georjean Marchulis of Weeks Road in Boothbay Harbor passed around a petition – a petition not to change a thing but to thank the town and its representatives for providing Barrett’s Park on Lobster Cove Road.

Over 70 people signed the “Friends of Barrett’s Park” petition of thanks. Besides getting signatures from residents of the four area towns (Boothbay, Boothbay Harbor, Southport and Edgecomb), visitors from other Maine towns and other states signed the thank you message. Maine residents on the seven sheets included people from Windham, Franklin, Portland, Hebron, Gray, Nobleboro, Georgetown, Round Pond and Sabattus. Visitors from South Carolina, New York (five) Connecticut (two) Pennsylvania, Florida (four), New Jersey, Maryland, New Hampshire, California, Colorado (two), Indiana (two) and Montana also signed the petition.

In the message sent to the newspaper about the petition, Theall and Marchulis wrote: “During this time of pandemic and economic hardships, Barrett’s Park offers a place of beauty, peace, clean air and water – it creates a place to restore our worried and wearied souls.

“We have lived adjacent to the park for 12 years. We have watched the number of visitors rise every season. We have also witnessed children jumping into the icy waters off Cyclops Rock, teenagers racing out to Mermaid Rock and back, little ones wading, elders enjoying lobster rolls ... We have heard songs, drums, guitars ... witnessed volleyball, weddings, church services, yoga classes, fishing, picnics, kids searching for sea glass, plein air artists painting ... all contained in harmony in our beautiful park. We visit the park almost daily to swim at high tide and have yet to witness an argument or rude behavior by anyone.

“On behalf of the Friends of Barrett’s Park, we offer selectmen, town manager, public works and everyone that help maintain and improve our park a resounding ‘THANK YOU.’”

“The town of Boothbay Harbor was extremely pleased to have the ‘Friends of Barrett’s Park’ give a thank you petition to the town,” said Town Manager Julia Latter. “Our public works department works very hard and takes great pride in maintaining this park that is enjoyed by both residents and visitors throughout the year. It is often referred to as the hidden gem in Boothbay Harbor, which I believe it truly is, and we were very grateful for such positive feedback.”