Project FAQs
What Camden residents and visitors should know about the Harbor Park revitalization and dam removal project.
01. What is happening?
Camden will remove the dam at the mouth of the Megunticook River and restore the lower river to a free-flowing channel over its natural ledge into Camden Harbor to address increasing flood risks on the river and recurring storm damage to Harbor Park.
02. Why is this being done?
Repeated overtopping of the Harbor Park seawall, costly maintenance of aging infrastructure, and increasing flood risks prompted the Town to undertake a multi-year evaluation of options for protecting Harbor Park and the lower Megunticook River. After evaluating multiple alternatives, this nature-based approach was determined to provide the best long-term value, with lower lifetime costs, improved flood resilience, and significant ecological benefits, including improved fish passage and river habitat.
03. Who is paying for it?
The project Is funded through a $5.9 million National Coastal Resilience grant awarded by the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation and NOAA. As a result, the project will not require local taxpayer funding.
04. How was this decided?
Over nearly three years, a nine-member Megunticook River Citizens Advisory Committee, appointed by the Select Board, reviewed scientific studies, engineering analyses, costs, and public input before recommending dam removal and restoration of the river by an 8-1 vote in February 2025. In June 2025, Camden voters approved the project by a vote of 1,391 to 995.
05. How will Harbor Park change?
Deteriorating seawalls and steep walkways will be replaced with a more resilient shoreline, accessible pathways, and improved public access to the river and intertidal zone while preserving the park’s historic character. Harbor Park was designed by the Olmsted Brothers and gifted to the Town of Camden by Mary Louise Curtis Bok in the 1930s. As provided in the deed, the Camden Public Library Board of Trustees oversee Harbor Park and will ensure the final design remains faithful to Mrs. Bok’s vision, the Olmsted Brothers’ landscape design, and the park’s designation on the National Register of Historic Places.
06. What happens next?
The Camden Public Library Board of Trustees and the Town of Camden are working with engineering and landscape architecture consultants to complete the final design and obtain the required permits. Construction is planned to begin In mid-late 2027 and is not expected to affect any downtown business activities. Most work will take place outside of the Memorial Day to Labor Day window.
07. Will Harbor Park Remain Open During Construction?
Yes. While portions of the park may be temporarily closed during construction to ensure public safety, the goal is to keep as much of Harbor Park open and accessible as possible throughout the project. Information about any temporary closures will be shared as construction plans are finalized.
08. How do I learn more?
Check back here to find the latest information about the project as it gets underway. If you'd like to submit a question, we will do our best to answer all of those that pertain to the next steps for the dam removal and Harbor Park revitalization.