Chapter 9: Recreation and Arts
Purpose
The purpose of this section is to inventory the many outdoor recreation activities and arts and cultural resources available to residents of and visitors to Ogunquit. These amenities are key to the quality of life and sense of place that support the well-being and enjoyment of both year- round residents and seasonal tourists. By understanding the location, attributes, and uses of parkland, including community events that take place in these spaces, the town can prioritize future programming, maintenance, and improvements to these facilities. Ogunquit owns its beaches and has no issues with private restrictions to access. Because the recreation resources in Town are structured to handle large seasonal variations in users, the capacity is adequate for the foreseeable future.
Arts
Ogunquit has an active Ogunquit Performing Arts Committee established in 1978, that runs activities year-round. From live concerts to dance to movie nights, the Performing Arts Committee produces shows at the Dunaway Community Center, built from a donation by Sanford Judson Dunaway. His daughter, Elizabeth Dunaway Burnham, established the endowment fund to help bring shows to Ogunquit and chaired the original
Committee. Shows have varied from recitals to chamber music to jazz performances and country music.
The Portland Symphony Orchestra and Portland Ballet have performed in Town, and the Committee shows classic movies from
November to May. The Committee is especially proud of its 1896 Steinway piano, lovingly restored and maintained, which continues to charm local audiences. The auditorium in the
Dunaway Center will be upgraded with the renovation of the Center scheduled to be completed in 2025.
Ogunquit has an active Performing Arts Committee.
The Ogunquit Playhouse has a renowned legacy of producing world-class theater from May through October. Other venues, such as the Leavitt Theatre and Jonathan’s, contribute to
Ogunquit Performing Arts
Ogunquit’s vibrant and diverse arts scene.
Ogunquit also has a thriving Visual Arts community. In addition to the Ogunquit Museum of American Art, the Ogunquit Art Assn. resides at the Barn Gallery on Shore Road. There are many art galleries in the Village and at Perkins Cove. Continuing Ogunquit’s long visual arts heritage, Ogunquit River Painters is being formed by local artists. This group intends to work with the Town, introducing new programs to attract artists and art lovers to Ogunquit.
Passive Recreational Areas
Outdoor recreation is a core component of the State’s tourism sector, serving as a source of economic development, a bridge to health and wellness, and a key element of local quality of life within communities throughout Maine. A recent study of York and Southern Oxford counties estimated that the outdoor recreation industry contributes nearly $105.3 million to the regional economy. Because Ogunquit has adequate access to the beach, the Marginal Way and conservation lands, there are no conflicts with access to private lands.
Existing Conservation Lands
Conservation land in Ogunquit comes in many shapes and sizes. These are parcels that contain legal encumbrances, such as deed restrictions, easements, or other restrictions that prohibit development and any uses aside from those that are low impact and passive. The Town of Ogunquit owns 250 acres of land including the beach (142 acres) and land off Berwick Road. The Payeur Preserve provides 55 acres of protection for the Ogunquit River Watershed. Over half of the preserve abuts a 35-acre parcel, off the Berwick Road, that is marked by stone walls surrounding the historic Joe Maxwell
Vernal Pool at Payeur Preserve courtesy of Great Works Land Trust
Field: the land contains vernal pools and an open wetland meadow that leads into the Leavitt Stream headwaters.
The remainder of this tract includes 20 forested acres just west of the Maine Turnpike. The parcel contains the headwaters of Quarry Stream, a tributary to the Ogunquit River. Plans include a possible wildlife-viewing platform in the meadow augmenting the existing walking path. In addition, the Town owns 40 acres north of the Payeur Preserve also referred to as the Bassett land.
Another valued conservation piece is the Hilton- Winn Preserve (38 acres) providing significant conservation and recreational value in the northern part of the Town (on both banks of the
Ogunquit River). The parcel was purchased by the York Land Trust and is 175 acres in total, extending into York.
Paths and Trails
The Marginal Way is perhaps one of Ogunquit’s best-known features. The path is approximately
1.25 miles long, extending from Perkins Cove to Shore Road and provides great views of the ocean, gardens and seaside homes.
The Richard E. Payeur Conservation Area (Berwick Road, Ogunquit) features a loop trail of approximately 1 mile which winds alongside wetland meadows and vernal pools, through forest and includes a double stone wall. The trail is accessed from the Ogunquit Dog Park, next to the Transfer Station off Berwick Road. The Old Boston Preserve is adding a new trail.
The Hilton Winn Trail, located on the preserve referenced in the previous section, contains boardwalks and trails around the Ogunquit River. Recent additions extending in to Wells and York provide 1.5 miles of hiking in a rural setting.
Members of the Conservation Commission and the Ogunquit Bicycle-Pedestrian Committee have indicated a desire to develop more trails in Ogunquit and connect them to surrounding networks.
Key Agencies
Great Works Regional Land Trust
GWRLT is a member-supported organization which provides conservation options and community programs for the Southern Maine communities of Eliot, South Berwick, Berwick, North Berwick, Wells and Ogunquit. Since 1986, the organization has preserved over 7,000 acres of natural, historic, agricultural, scenic and recreational resources.
The GWRLT has six preserves in Ogunquit that cover approximately 250 acres of conserved land. All preserves are open to the public and have trail networks which frequently connect to other conserved properties and towns.
| Great Works Regional Land Trust Preserves in Ogunquit | ||
| Preserve | Acres | Assets |
| Payeur Preserve A | 20 | Trails |
| Payeur Preserve B | 35 | 1 mile loop trail, vernal pools, open wetland meadow |
| Kirkpatrick Woods | 20 | Trails |
| Old Boston Preserve – West and East | 156.7 | Trails |
| Footbridge Beach | 0.26 | Trail |
| Beach Plum Farm Preserve | 21 | 1/2 mile trail, community gardens, scenic views |
| Source: Great Works Regional Land Trust, GWRLT Preserves | ||
Active Recreational Areas
Active recreational areas, in this context, refers to Town-owned and operated parkland on sites designed and laid out for the specific purpose of serving as a recreational amenity, rather than conservation areas or other undeveloped lands that are used for hiking or other low-disturbance activities. The Town owns and maintains a number of small parks and recreational areas spread throughout the community which are shown in the following table:
Town Park Facilities | ||
| Location | Amenities |
Dorothea Jacobs Grant Common | Adjacent to the Heritage Museum | Park benches, paid parking and portable toilets (seasonal) |
Littlefield Park | Ledge Road and Park Lane | Bicycle racks and limited free parking |
Josias River Park | Bournes Lane off Main Street | Park benches |
Ogunquit Dog Park | End of Spring Hill Lane off Berwick Road | Fenced in area for dogs, chairs, benches and picnic tables. Limited free parking |
Agamenticus Park | Agamenticus Road | Tennis and pickleball courts, ball field and free parking |
Village School Playground | School Street (downtown) | Kid’s play equipment, benches, basketball court. Easily accessible on foot, paid parking and restrooms. |
Marginal Way | Between Perkins Cove and Shore Road | 1.25-mile scenic pedestrian path. Paid parking available at certain locations. |
Town Beaches – Main Beach, Footbridge Beach, North Beach, and Little Beach | Town waterfront | Open to the public for water- based activities, including swimming, fishing, surfing, paddleboarding and kayaking. Restrooms and paid parking. |
The most famous and highly used recreational area is, of course, Ogunquit Beach. Regularly named as the top beach in New England, Ogunquit Beach is used year-round by residents and visitors. In the summer season, there are blankets and umbrellas from the mouth of the Ogunquit River to the Wells town line. In the winter, casual strollers, dog walkers, and surfers take advantage of the lack of crowds and ample parking to enjoy the fresh air and natural beauty.
Town-sponsored recreational activities taking place at the above facilities include:
- Pickleball
- Art(including painting and sculpture)
- Bicycling
- Kiteflying
- Tennis
- Yoga
- Water-basedactivities (Ogunquit Beach)
Boat Launches and Put-Ins
Two public boat launch sites are located within the town: one, the Footbridge Boat Launch, is located on Ocean Street off Route 1. The other is at Perkins Cove.
There are private docks along the Ogunquit River Estuary.
Parks and Recreation Committee
Pursuant to Article VIII of the Town Code, the Ogunquit Parks and Recreation Committee consists of seven members appointed by the Select Board. The Committee, which meets monthly, oversees an approximately $20,000 annual budget and coordinates recreational activities, events, and related programming for the benefit of town residents. The Committee does not have a designated staff person as of this writing, but interest has been expressed in hiring a director to support the Committee, as this role is one that has existed in years past.
Town Recreational Events
Each year, the Town of Ogunquit sponsors a plethora of family-friendly events reflecting the community’s arts and cultural heritage, including the many artists, performers, and patrons of the arts who make Ogunquit their home. These events draw year-round residents, seasonal visitors, and residents of adjacent communities and are funded via the Town Parks and Recreation Committee’s annual budget as well as by the Chamber of Commerce and other local business sponsors.
Local Events
4th of July Celebration Events
Celebrating Independence Day with fireworks at Ogunquit Beach with great views from Main Beach all the way up to Footbridge and North Beaches.
BonAire
In partnership with local businesses, BonAire celebrates all that is Ogunquit: music, art, food, craft, family-friendly, and the LGBTQ+ community. At Agamenticus Field, attendees can see Ogunquit and the ocean from the air aboard a hot air balloon. Around town activities include live music on the Main Beach stage, an artisan craft fair featuring 90+ vendors, food trucks, artist demonstrations and family-friendly activities for all ages.
Christmas by the Sea
Welcoming the holiday season, now nearly 40 years running, this family event features concerts, craft shows, local artists, children’s activities, a parade, bonfire and the crowd-pleasing Santa and tree lighting.
Free Movie Night at Levitt Theatre
Kite Festival
BonAire
In partnership with local businesses, BonAire celebrates all that is Ogunquit: music, art, food, craft, family-friendly, and the LGBTQ+ community. At Agamenticus Field, attendees can see Ogunquit and the ocean from the air aboard a hot air balloon. Around town activities include live music on the Main Beach stage, an artisan craft fair featuring 90+ vendors, food trucks, artist demonstrations and family-friendly activities for all ages.
Christmas by the Sea
Welcoming the holiday season, now nearly 40 years running, this family event features concerts, craft shows, local artists, children’s activities, a parade, bonfire and the crowd-pleasing Santa and tree lighting.
Music in the Cove
Held on Wednesdays and Fridays between July and October in Perkins Cove and is sponsored by local businesses.
Music in the Park
Held at Dorothea Jacobs Grant Common each Sunday
evening from June through September, this event has up to 200 attendees and as many as 4,000 online attendees at any given time. Genres of music include Jazz, Opera, Reggae, and Big Band.
Ogunquitfest
Across the town, throughout October, Ogunquitfest offers signature events including a classic car show, huge craft fair, children’s activities, Halloween- themed events, High Heel Dash (a benefit for the Frannie Peabody Center) and the Dogtoberfest costume parade.
Plein Air Art Festival
One of Maine’s premier cultural happenings. A time- honored festival for more than a century, Plein Air showcases painting and works in the tradition of the
“artist colony of Ogunquit,” including painting demonstrations, historical art talks, and live music. Drawing over 100 painters and artists, the festival stretches from Perkins Cove to the Dorothea Jacobs Grant Common each mid-September.
Pride Month
Ogunquit salutes Pride Month and the legacy of the LGBTQ+ community.
Events include a flag raising in Veteran’s Park, a community BBQ and many events sponsored by businesses, including music, movies and live entertainment.
Sandcastle Contest at Ogunquit Beach
Wonderful family-friendly event includes T-shirts for participants and the annual Sand Drawing with Sebastian.
Goals, Policies and Strategies
Goal
- To encourage and support recreational activities that are safe, accessible and draw wideparticipation from all age groups and abilities, and that reflect the people and charm of
- Toencourage and support artistic activities and performances year-round that reflect the people, history and charm of
Policies:
- Create a list of recreation needs or develop a recreation plan to meet current and future The Parks & Recreation Committee shall continue to explore ways of addressing the identified needs and/or implementing the policies and strategies outlined in the plan.
- Work with public and private partners to extend and maintain a network of trails andconnect with regional trail systems, where
- Continueto work with existing land use trusts or other conservation organizations to pursue opportunities to protect important open space or recreational land.
- Provideeducational materials regarding the benefits and protections for landowners allowing public recreational access on their
- Continueto work with public and private partners to support and extend the scope and diversity of the
Strategies:
- Priority: 1-5 with 1 being the highest priority.
| Description | Priority | Responsibility |
| Analyze and make recommendations on costs/ benefits of adding a Recreation Director to coordinate, enhance and expand activities for residents and visitors to work with local land trust and conservation organizations to further protect open space and recreational land. | 1 | Town Manager |
| Analyze and make recommendations for improving accessibility to the beaches and water for people with disabilities. | 2 | Public Works |
| Analyze and make recommendations for repair of fencing along river and for improving Footbridge parking lot, boat ramp and walkway. | 3 | Public Works |
| Provide educational materials regarding the benefits and protections for landowners allowing public recreational access on their property. At a minimum this will include information on Maine’s landowner liability law regarding recreational or harvesting use, Title 14, M.R.S.A. §159- A. | 4 | Parks and Rec |
| Research and make recommendations on the feasibility of creating an Ogunquit Historical/Marginal Way Walking tour, including self-guided support. | 5 | Marginal Way Committee |
| Create a page on the Town website to publicize town recreation activities, with hours, reservations, applications, etc. as well as information on Maine’s landowner liability law regarding recreational and harvesting use. | Information Services | |
| Analyze and make recommendations for encouraging more artistic activities. | Parks and Rec | |
| Analyze and make recommendations for improving use of Agamenticus Park. | Parks and Rec | |
| Create more offseason activities for residents. | Parks and Rec | |
| Create local trail maps for publicly accessible walking paths. | Parks and Rec | |
| Evaluate improved parking options for kayak/canoe/paddleboard access to Ogunquit River. | Public Works | |
| Review the OZO food truck policy as appropriate for specific events with SB approval. | Planning Board | |
| Create a list of recreation needs and develop a recreation plan to meet current and future needs. Assign a committee or community official to explore ways of addressing the identified needs and/or implementing the policies and strategies outlined in the plan. | Parks and Rec | |
| Evaluate how the Town publicizes events to expand audiences. | OPA | |
| Improve methods of collection and tracking of revenues for OPA events. This would include accepting credit cards and determining the makeup of the audience. | OPA | |
| Recognize the role played by cultural organizations in Ogunquit and publicize their contributions to the Ogunquit experience. | Parks and Rec |