Recent visitors to Oak Point Farm may have noticed construction activity on the shore-facing side of the farmhouse. As part of the This Land is Your Land Campaign for Oak Point Farm, which officially wrapped up its fundraising drive last fall, Boothbay Region Land Trust (BRLT) secured funding to complete improvements to the farmhouse deck as well as address weatherization issues on the south-facing wall of the farmhouse. The new deck will connect the two existing decks on the south side of the building, creating a single large public gathering space. Double doors will be added to the south wall of the farmhouse, connecting the new deck and the building, and enabling greater accessibility between the two. The work will also bring the deck up to code for safety and public use — the final step toward reaching full code-compliance at Oak Point Farm. Finally, the project will address weatherization issues on the shore-facing side of the farmhouse, further improving energy efficiency and providing necessary structural updates.

Campbell Construction has been engaged to complete the project, and work commenced in early April. The on-going project has proceeded on schedule over the past couple of months and is planned for completion in mid-August. In the process of removing siding on the south side of the farmhouse, the construction crew uncovered a number of previously unknown issues including improperly sized windows that required replacement, as well as rotted sills. Given the age of the farmhouse, BRLT was prepared for the possibility that additional repairs would be needed, and funding was in place for such a contingency. The renovation will also address known concerns including repairs to the foundation under the east wall of the kitchen, as well as drainage upgrades under the east-most addition.

Overall the new deck will significantly enhancing programming opportunities at Oak Point Farm. The roughly 1,600 square foot deck, designed by engineer and BRLT volunteer Bill Haney, will enable gatherings of over 100 people. The current capacity of the largest meeting room inside the farmhouse is roughly 40 people. This additional meeting space more than doubles the gathering capacity currently available, and will enable programs such as large lectures, large group visits from schools or other organizations, volunteer gatherings, and fundraising events. With easy access to the farmhouse’s public restrooms and facilities, as well as potential for movement between indoor and outdoor spaces, the deck will be a great asset to the land trust as well as a fantastic new rest area for the public to view and enjoy nature watching.

This construction work has been coordinated with the simultaneous construction of the universal access trail and disability parking lot expansion, which were funded through generous grants from the Louise H. and David S. Ingalls Foundation, the Elizabeth Ann Leach Charitable Trust, and the A.R. and Marylouise Tandy Foundation. The trail and parking updates are currently underway as well and will be completed later this summer. Together these two significant renovations and upgrades will fulfill the promises outlined in the Oak Point Farm campaign and bring the campaign to its full completion.

BRLT is incredibly grateful to Bill Haney, Cathy Conn, and Jack Fulmer who have volunteered their time and expertise to oversee the deck and weatherization project. Their contributions are reflected in all aspects of the design and planning of this work. BRLT appreciates the public’s continued patience during these renovations, and looks forward to welcoming the community soon on the new trail and upgraded deck.