The town of Boothbay and Boothbay Region Land Trust are in agreement about creating a dog park at Cross River Preserve. Nick Ullo is BRLT's executive director. He explained the trust's dog park proposal Oct. 28 during the Boothbay selectmen's meeting.

Ullo explained the trust's intent for donating a 2.8-acre Cross River Preserve parcel for the dog park. "The town would develop the property for a dog park. We are very excited about this," he said. "We've heard from people in the community about the dog park who are excited about this, and so are our trustees."

Town and land trust officials will work out the details, in hopes of a May or June town vote in 2027.

Cross River Preserve was once tax-acquired property which Boothbay gifted to BRLT after a town vote. Ullo explained an agreement in 2014 was reached where the trust would build a 1,500 square foot nature center. The structure would also serve as their headquarters. Under the agreement, BRLT had 15 years to build a structure or the land would revert back to the town; 2029 is the agreement's deadline.

So far, no structure has been built. Ullo explained the trust later decided to build the nature center and headquarters at Oak Point Farm. The trust considered building a pavilion in lieu of the 1,500 square foot Cross River Preserve building, but that didn't materialize. 

Ullo asked selectmen if the dog park would serve as the building requirement under the 2014 agreement, and selectmen were agreeable. 

Town Manager Dan Bryer said all the details must be finalized in January in order to make the May 2027 town meeting warrant. 

In other action, selectmen approved a Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens liquor license renewal for a temporary extension of the premises for a special event.

Selectmen meet next at 6 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 11 in the community room.