A long, hot summer has been good  for the Clifford Park renovation project. On July 27, Boothbay Town Manager Dan Bryer remarked the project, which began in May, was moving along toward completion without any setbacks. Bryer told selectmen he recently witnessed how well construction had progressed. “I took a walk the other day. They put the pavilion up, and it only took a couple days,” he said. “It’s very impressive looking and I kept thinking about what it will mean for the community. There is a lot of good things going on there.”

Even though, the project is moving along without interruption, there is no projected completion date. “Everything is moving along. The weather has cooperated and Farley hasn’t had any problems regarding materials or labor,” Bryer said Aug. 3. “There is no expected completion date, but it should be sometime this year.”

During the July 27 selectmen’s meeting, Bryer reported the project entered the water and sewer phase which is being installed on Chapel Street. “The easements are in place and have been recorded,” he said. “We’ve hit some ledge so some blasting may be necessary.”

This spring, Boothbay awarded the contract to Farley, Inc. of Rockport. Farley was the only bidder with a $1,180,000 bid. The project is funded through a matching federal $250,000 Land and Water Grant. In 2020, Boothbay successfully applied for the grant. Local businessman Paul Coulombe supplied the town’s $250,000 match. In January, town officials learned the project would cost more than anticipated. Bryer told selectmen it may reach between $1.75 and $2 million. Bryer reported additional Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)-compliant equipment and tactile boards increased the project’s cost. However, he assured selectmen the project would cost taxpayers nothing. “Paul’s ready to kick in the rest,” he said. 

On May 23, Bryer reported Coulombe contributed $930,000 to the project. Once Boothbay received the $250,000 federal grant this spring, the project started. The new playground will include a Little League field, bleachers, a multi-use field (large enough for two lacrosse fields or one soccer pitch), pavilion and playground.