Located in the heart of Boothbay center is Clifford Park — a once vibrant community park enjoyed by many at one time, but has since lost its original luster and has fallen into disrepair. Community members over the last few years have expressed their desire to make meaningful improvements at the park that would provide activities the whole family can enjoy. Wanting to help and recognizing the need, Paul Coulombe and Julie Roberts met
with Town Manager Dan Bryer last fall to discuss ideas of how to make the much-needed improvements at the park a reality. That is when Paul offered a generous matching grant of up to $250,000 for any funds raised towards this endeavor.

Seizing this wonderful opportunity, Bryer began looking at grant opportunities. He found one that would require costly engineering reports to be submitted with the grant application. He circled back with Paul who generously covered the $10K cost.

This week, Bryer received the exciting news that a Land and Water Conservation grant of $250,000 was awarded to the Town of Boothbay.

“This a great opportunity for our community, said Bryer. “The grant funds of $250K coupled with the $250K matching funds from Paul means that the long-awaited park improvements can now be made. We can move forward with the improvements at no cost to the taxpayer. I would like to thank the Coulombe family for making this possible and for their continued generosity.”

The planned improvements, which will begin in the spring, are vast and will include a new little league field, bleachers, multi-use field for a variety of sports, playground, ADA bathrooms and pavilion, increased public parking and walkways. See attached rendering for more information.

“My wife and I are delighted to be involved with a project that will enrich the lives of youth in our community which is something near and dear to our hearts,” said Coulombe. “The park will provide a place that can be enjoyed by all ages. A gathering place for families of multiple generations.”

Roberts was thrilled to share the news with her 9-year-old daughter Olivia who has been a big proponent of the effort to improve Clifford Park. When Olivia heard the news, she exclaimed, “I can’t believe we’re finally going to have a new playground!”