In 2020, Boothbay received approval for a $250,000 federal grant and a local match from Southport businessman Paul Coulombe to upgrade Clifford Park. Town Manager Dan Bryer expects work to begin next summer which will provide a long overdue park renovation. While the funding arrives in the future, Bryer credits past work of a group of community members in making the project a reality. The project began last year with a major assist from Farrin & Sons, Boothbay resident Tom Nickerson, Boothbay Civic Association and Boothbay Region Water District.

In September, after nearly three decades of talking about renovating Clifford Park, community members took action. Farrin & Sons spread fill along the park’s back lot. Pat Farrin and Nickerson have encouraged contractors for years to dump fill at the park in hopes of using it someday for a renovation. The two have discussed a community project for improving Clifford Park for years. Nickerson always envisioned a collective effort reminiscent of the community’s “Light It Up,” which raised money for the high school football field’s lights. Nickerson has participated in community fundraisers for “Light It Up” and fire department fundraisers. He compared the community project to a giant jigsaw puzzle. “You dump all the pieces out of the box and with some effort they all fit back together to become a finished product,” he said. “I’m amazed what this community can achieve working together.”

Kipp Farrin believes his father and Nickerson are the driving forces in the ongoing community effort to prepare Clifford Park for expansion. “They’ve been after the town for three or four years to start this,” he said. “They both have a lot of pride in the town and park. This has been a long time coming, and they’ve continued to push this forward.”

The project is seeking more funds for new park playground equipment. BCA is a 501(c)3 non-profit group. The association is collecting funds to buy new equipment, The park is in the Adams Pond watershed and bordered by a wetland/stream complex. Last fall, BRWD and Eric Wood provided hay mulch to ensure work done did not negatively impact the water supply. The district is also providing water for community restrooms which will replace the outhouses.

“We’re involved to help move the project forward while being mindful of Adams Pond’s protection. The district also holds conservation land to the north that could provide public access for walking or skiing trails,” said Watershed Protection Manager Sue Mello. 

Bryer expects to begin receiving federal grant money no earlier than June. Once the project starts, Boothbay will receiving funding by submitting project bills to the federal government. Community contributions should be sent to  Boothbay Civic Assn., P.O. Box 81, Boothbay, ME 04537.