Main Street Skowhegan has announced a 1 million naming gift from the New Balance Foundation to support the Skowhegan River Park project. The private investment will fund community recreation assets, including naming rights for the New Balance Foundation Boardwalk and the New Balance Foundation Basecamp Gear Library. A public groundbreaking ceremony is scheduled for Monday, June 29, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. on the downtown riverfront to celebrate the funding and the start of construction.
Construction is starting on Phase 1 of the riverfront boardwalk, which is a 2.3 million project. The infrastructure will feature 4,187 square feet of Americans with Disabilities Act accessible northern white cedar decking along the downtown riverfront. Initial work begins the week of June 22, 2026, with overall completion anticipated by December 2026.
Funding for the initial phase combines public and private investments, including a 2 million federal Community Project Funding grant secured by Senator Susan Collins and Senator Angus King. An additional 334,000 dollars was contributed by the Expedia Trail Fund through a partnership between Main Street Skowhegan and The Conservation Fund. According to a 2025 economic impact study by Fourth Economy, the completed river park project is projected to generate 16.6 million dollars in annual economic impact and support 137 regional jobs.
Main Street Skowhegan also secured a 2.5 million Timber for Transit grant from the Northern Border Regional Commission to fund Phase 2 of the boardwalk. This next phase will add an additional 7,235 square feet of riverfront infrastructure and promenade, with construction planned to begin in the spring of 2027.
Future plans for the park include a 5.6 million federal funding request championed by Senator Angus King for Phase 1 of a whitewater park, which includes an adjustable surf and kayak wave. The broader park design incorporates the regional gear library, expanded river access, trails, and public gathering spaces to link the downtown area to the Kennebec River. The upcoming groundbreaking event will bring together community members, business owners, project partners, funders, and elected officials.
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