Dearborn Park Renovation Project

Announcement

The major construction of Dearborn Park is complete and the park is now open to the public. Lighting, planting, and other tasks are still in process.

Project typeRedesign and Reconstruction
Project scheduleExpected Construction: May-August 2025
Contractor nameBerube's Lawn & Landscape

Dearborn Park, a vital gathering space in downtown Gardiner, is undergoing major improvements to address aging infrastructure and safety concerns.

The park’s uneven brick plaza, deteriorating staircases, and poor lighting have made it hazardous and unwelcoming, reducing its use and impacting nearby businesses. Planned upgrades include new stairways with handrails, stabilized paver surfaces, improved lighting, and enhanced landscaping to create a safer and more inviting space.

These improvements will not only restore the park’s function as a community hub for events and daily use but also support downtown economic vitality by encouraging foot traffic. The revitalized Dearborn Park will serve as an accessible, welcoming passage and gathering spot for residents, visitors, and businesses alike.

Park Layout Plan: View plan as PDF(PDF, 9MB)

Project Updates

April 14, 2025: Construction bids submitted.

May 1, 2025: Light poles in the park have been disconnected from electrical supply.

May 14, 2025: Constriction contract signed with Berube's Lawn & Landscape Inc.

May 27, 2025: Park closed to public. Gardiner Public Works Department begins demolition work.

October 2025: Stairway and all other areas of the park reopened to the public.

Funding for this project is supported by a $100,000 a Community Enterprise Community Development Block Grant from the Maine Department of Economic and Community Development and US Department of Housing and Urban Development.

Additional funding is provided by grant funding from the Northern Border Regional Commission and Gardiner's Downtown Tax Improvement District funds.