Summer is in full swing with two popular drawing cards, Windjammer Days and the Fourth of July, just around the corner. School is out, traffic has increased on the main roads, seasonal shops and restaurants are open, and the launching ramps are beehives of activity as boating enthusiasts prepare for a busy summer on the water.

It’s the time of year when Midcoast communities need to put their best foot forward and make a good first impression on visitors. We’re fortunate that we have more than our fair share of homeowners and businesses anxious to make their properties look as attractive as possible.

Efforts a few years ago to plant trees to add a touch of green has begun to pay off. There’s nothing more depressing than sections of road lined with one business after another, void of trees and landscaping.

Thankfully, that’s changing because almost every city and town now understands the value of greenery. Attempts a few years ago to “soften’’ the appearance of the area near the junction of Route 27 and 96 didn’t really get off the ground as had been hoped.

However, the good news was that the Meadow Mall stepped up to the plate and made changes, which greatly improved the entrance to town even though plans for the opposite side of the road weren’t as successful.  

Some had hoped we could have wider sidewalks, more trees and a more attractive stretch of road from the school to the traffic light, but lack of space (and probably money) hindered efforts somewhat.

When just one shop or home beautifies its property, be it with flowers, shrubs, new paint, or some other change for the better, we all benefit. We’ve already earned a reputation as an especially attractive community; let’s keep the ball rolling.

A number of years ago, our newspaper highlighted places that were making a difference because of their beautification projects. We found the owners pleased that they had received public recognition. It was a small way of saying thanks from all of us who live here.

Our residents have always taken pride in their town. It’s important we continue to make changes which we feel will have an impact, not only on those of us who live here, but on visitors as well.

During the Boothbay Harbor selectmen’s review of goals they have set for themselves in coming years, Town Manager Tom Woodin mentioned improvements to the footbridge, which he termed an underutilized valuable asset and an attraction for many visitors. We couldn’t agree more.

The footbridge could and should be promoted because it’s very unusual, and is loved by those who discover it during their visits here. Unfortunately, it’s easy to come to town and leave without even knowing it exists.

The region could do a lot more to remove the ‘’highway feel’’ of its entrance. We’re confident that some of these ideas will emerge in the coming years.

It took a lot of fighting to convince some taxpayers that a park area adjacent to Fisherman’s Wharf on the waterfront was really more important than the parking lot it replaced, but hopefully even opponents now begrudgingly agree it was a wise move.

Barrett’s Park is also an area that is now truly a gem, thanks to the efforts of Boothbay Harbor road commissioner Jody Lewis and his crew. It’s now the pride and joy of all area residents.

We can’t all manage the transformation which has taken place at the Boothbay Harbor Country Club with its breathtaking landscaping, but if we all do our part on our own little piece of real estate, we’ll continue to demonstrate to visitors that we’re a place where residents and businesses really care.