When our daughters were little people, we spent many fun times with family and friends at Barrett’s Park, a wonderful spit of land surrounded by Lobster Cove waters, sandwiched between Sprucewold, the road to Wall Point and greater Linekin Bay. It’s a public park with a private feel.

Many years ago, our dear friend, Boothbay Harbor artist Lonny Sisson, painted endless visions from the shores of Barrett's Park. Lonny called it Silver Cove, which is how it often appears at different times of day, morning and evening. It was, without a doubt, one of his most favorite spots, all times of year. Lonny and family lived up on Bay Street which overlooks Barrett’s Park. It was a short stroll down from the house with painting gear, a bit of water and perhaps a sandwich with refreshment. Many of Lonny’s prolific paintings include views reminiscent of the cove or partially motivated by the variety of coastal elements he found there.

Barrett’s Park was not always a public park. Back in the day (late 1800s) what is now Barrett’s Park was a somewhat central location for a growing seafood processing industry. Probably not many folks left around the “Hood” who remember that era. I actually have photos of the one building that stood on the western edge of the cove. Local notable Paul Noah once told me how he and friends used to dive into the cove from an upper door of the building. You can still dive into the cave from that location, but only from a stone wall preferably accompanied by a high tide. 

One of the benefits of swimming from Barrett’s Park, in summer, if concerned about chilly water temperatures, this encourages use on a coming tide after a sunny day. The sun heats up the flats surrounding the park which in turn heats up the gradual climb of sea water. The waters in turn are well warmed, significantly raising temperatures for the faint of heart. If you are looking for the cold hit of fresh sea water, there are many other more refreshing locations throughout the region. In a hot summer, as we have had, the waters of Barrett’s Park are noticeably less cold but provide a lovely, enjoyable swim for all who seek an ocean dip. 

Recently, our family gathered for a cooled off evening picnic near the location of the old building I mentioned. While we dined, the activities around us were plentiful. A photographer worked diligently with a high schooler’s multiple outfit changes, people swam, dogs scurried, (some on, some off leash), and others relaxed on a bench with a good book. Off shore, it was possible to see sailboats, lobster boats at anchor, overstimulated jet skiers and a kayak or two. It is truly a much loved place which only became a Boothbay Harbor public property in 1977 when the Barrett family donated the property. A few years ago, I was invited to photograph members and descendants of the Barrett family at the park. It was not an insignificant number of people, some old enough to recall playing nearby. 

Nice of them to share.