The Portland City Council voted 7-2 Monday to approve a $15 million plan to expand and improve the city’s Eastern Promenade waterfront park, adding new public spaces, improved boat access, and enhanced facilities along the Casco Bay shoreline.
The project, which has been in development since 2023, will add approximately three acres of new parkland, including a redesigned boat launch area, a waterfront pavilion for community events, a children’s playground with ocean views, and a network of accessible walking paths connecting to the existing Eastern Promenade Trail.
“The Eastern Prom is one of Portland’s greatest treasures, and this plan makes it better for everyone,” said Mayor Mark Dion. “More access to the water, more space for families, and a design that respects the character of this special place.”
The expansion focuses on underutilized land adjacent to the current park, including a former city maintenance yard that will be relocated. The design, selected through a national competition, emphasizes native coastal plantings, sustainable stormwater management, and unobstructed views of Casco Bay and the islands.
Neighborhood residents participated actively in the planning process, and the final design reflects significant community input. Resident concerns about parking, traffic, and noise from events were addressed through limitations on amplified sound, parking management plans, and a commitment to nighttime quiet hours.
“I’ve lived on Munjoy Hill for 30 years, and I want to see the waterfront improved, but not at the expense of neighborhood livability,” said resident Tom Powers. “I think this plan strikes the right balance.”
The project will be funded through a combination of city bonds, a state outdoor recreation grant, and contributions from the Portland Trails land trust and private donors. Construction is expected to begin in fall 2026 and be completed by summer 2028.
The expanded park will also include improved connections to the Portland Trails network, making it easier for walkers and cyclists to access the Eastern Prom from other parts of the city.
