Riverfront Park and Boat Ramp, City of Saco, Maine

[From the U.S. Government Printing Office, www.gpo.gov]

Riverfront Park
a"nd Boat Ramp,

City of Saco, Main
December 1987

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19S7 INFopMAT Skinner Lambe, Inc.

SKINNER & LAMBE, INC.

LAN DSCAP E ARCHITECTURE

306 CONGRESS
STREET
PO. BOX 15188
PORTLAND, MAINE
04101

201@871-0661

December 29, 1987

Mr. Peter Morelli
City Planner
City of Saco Town Hall
300 main street
Saco, Maine 04072

Dear Peter,

Thank you for giving us the pleasure of working on the Riverfront Park
and Boat Ramp Feasibility Study. We have enjoyed the creative
pportunity.presented by the site dynamics. Your support and
responsiveness is much appreciated.
0

We believe the study herein is a sound description of existing
conditions with design recommendations based on research and careful
thought. We hope it will prove a useful tool in planning and
negotiations.

Please give serious consideration to the concept of artist involvement
in the park. The Maine Commission of Arts and the Humanities may be
interested in helping the cause. It is possible to incorporate the
historic significance of the site and its surrounds into the artwork.
The artwork would work best as interpretive pieces rather than
representational.

We hope the next steps of implementing the recommendations of this
study will be simple ones.

Sinc erely,

Susan M. Lambe erxi ki'nner

SML/maf
?er,ri @ki`nner

Prepared b7-. Skinner a Lambe Inc.
P.O. Box 15188
Portland, Maine 04101

In Conjunction with the City of Saco
Planning Board
City Planner, Peter Morelli

Book Design: Celeste Labrie

"Financial assistance for preparation of this document was provided by
a grant from Maine's Coastal Program, through funding provided by the
U.S. Department of Commerce, Office of Ocean and Coastal Resource
Management, under the Coastal Zone Management Act of 1972, as amended."

Table of Contents

Introduction 1
Goals & Objectives
Recreation Need
History

Area Descriptions /Recommendations 6
Overview/Riverwalk Concept
Upper Area
Improvements to Front Street
Path System
Boat Ramp Improvements
Public Works Garage Reuse
Assessment of Environnent4l Impact

Funding / Implementation
Phasing/Task Force
Artist's Involvement

References

Opinion of Cost

Appendix 29

Liability Issues
CMP Safety Rules
Map of Property Ownership

I
I Introduction
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The study area is located on the Saco Maine power (1.8 acres) with a small
River between Cataract Falls and the parcel (.1 acres) owned by a private
Saco Yacht Club. It is adjacent to the citizen. CMP and the private citizen
busiest section of downtown Saco, less have each expressed interest in the
than 50 yards from Pepperell Square. project and are awaiting further
It has two unique features which details of the City's intended use of
presently attract people to the site. the land.
It overlooks Saco River and Cataract
Falls, a hydroelectric project built in Considering the site's ideal location
1937-38 which is owned and maintained on the riverfront, next to the
by Central Maine Power. Slightly downtown, within walking distance to
downstream the site has an active Pepperell Park, Jubilee Park, Laurel
public boat ramp. Another potentially Hill Cemetery and Factory Island - the
valuable site resource is the former goal of public access is appropriate
Public Works Garage (approximately and highly desirable. Its existing
6,600 square feet). features, the boat ramp and the
river/falls, are popular destination
Approximately 3.5 acres in size, the points, ensuring the park's success as
site is owned in part by the City of a public space.
Saco (1.6 acres) and in part by Central

Location Plan
-- L-T--
Site Location

West
sister
Tr
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OK F

4 Sib c o
Yacht
opbsed MOP
kvA fro'
P 4;@11'
us?* Boat Ramp %Club

Jubilee Park
eCP
Cataract Falls

Proposed Saco
%@\Island Redevelopan
F@aatery Island

Goals & Objectives

On December 8, 1987, the Planning Board
affirmed the following stat ements as the
goals and objective 's for the Riverfront
Park and Boat Ramp project.

1. Create an attraction or destination by providing a safe place to view the falls.

2. Improve the boat ramp to meet existing and anticipated recreational boating needs.

3. Create parking spaces for Pepperell Square businesses, boaters, and park visitors.

4. Enhance and extend Pepperell Square as an attractive hub of Saco's Main Street.

5. Improve the aesthetics at the railroad overpass and the entrance to the park.

6. Use the development of this park as the first'mission for "The Friends of the
Riverfront". Identify and encourage community support for parks system development

7. Accommodate the recreational needs of the increased population anticipated . at
Factory Island, (considering both residents and daytime users of the site).

8. Take full advantage of the former Public Works Garage for potential marine and
recreational reuse.

9. Use this park as the first piece of a continuous river walk, and path system,
which connects parks and key areas of the city.

10. Enhance use of site for safe park fishing.

Recreation Need

The City of Saco has for over two Boat registrations and boating club
decades recognized the need for information also provide a strong
improved recreation facilities, indication of the need for improved
particularly in the downtown. The facilities. City records indicate that
city's 1967 Comprehensive Plan first 697 boats are now registered here, an
identified the need for increased all time high. The Saco Yacht Club,
recreation facilities. "Public open adjacent to the site, serves 200 local
space is almost non-existent in the residents and has a waiting list for
downtown area, either for active or new members.
passive recreation," that report said.
Comprehensive plans developed in 1978 The old city boat ramp on the site is
and 1987 also called for increased open used frequently despite its poor
space. condition. On a nice summer day it is
not unusual to see 5 cars with boat
The riverfront was identified as the trailers parked nearby. Yacht club
logical place for such open space in members frequently take advantage of
the 1967 report, which stated "(People) the extra depth at the city ramp for
should have not only visual but also large craft which cannot use the yacht
physical access to the River nearby club's ramp. "It's being used all of
downtown. It is therefore suggested the time," says Saco Yacht Club
that the riverfront once again be made President Mike Gray.
available to the citizens of Saco..."
The city implemented this On a more general note, the city's
recommendation, in part, with the population is increasing at a rate of
upstream development of Diamond three percent annually in recent
Riverside Park and Jubilee Park on years. Much of that growth has been
Poore.'s Island. within walking distance of the site--at
an old mill and a seniors housing
The pu-blic open space proposed in project on Water Street. Over 200
conjunction with the Saco Island mill additional housing units are planned at
redevelopment project and the Front Saco Island, a stone's throw from the
Street facilities proposed in this site.
study would nearly complete the
implementation of the concept developed
in the 1960s.

History

While the Front Street site is largely the dam stood saw and planing mills and
abandoned today, the area played an a grist mill. Ice cutting was a major
important role in the city's history. business for a short time. In 1926 an
Lumbering, coastal trade, ice cutting oil company built tanks on Proprietors
and shipping, excursion and 'Wharf, but a 19716 flood put an end to
recreational boating, smelting and that business forever.
boatyards have all played important
roles on the site and adjacent land, Humbler activities also took place
according to old maps and to Sands, along Front Street. The area was
Spindles and Steeples by Roy Fairfield, attractive to smelters who developed a
a city history. small shanty town along both sides of
Front Street. Later the smelt gave out
The Proprietors' Wharf, on the current and the shanty town disappeared.
site of the Saco Yacht Club, was an
early center of commerce connecting Recreation, too, was important on the
.Saco with other coastal cities. site. In the early part of the century
Pictures from the 1890s show three thousands of travelers left rail cars
masted schooners and workboats docked and embarked on the boats Nimrod and
at this important port. In the early Goldenrod to complete their excursions
1900 wood and coal were unloaded on to Biddeford Pool. Old Orchard Beach
their way to Factory Island. Nearer also became a destination.

Muh. co

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Frac Irs ty --N

mill

30=MCXC=
Maptea from Stuart's ATLAS oF
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The Saco Yacht Club, which was located Another favorite activity was to pile
slightly north of its current site, has in a boat with some friends, some salt
provided opportunities for recreational pork and some potatoes, and to head
boating for over 100 years. The Saco downstream to Camp Ellis for chowder
Boat Club was also organized in the and a clam bake, Fairfield writes.
1870s. Rowing contests with $5 and $10 Some 100 power boats were registered in
prizes were a common holiday event at the city before the Depression.
the turn of the century, Fairfield Recreati:onal boating supported a small
writes. Thousands of Biddeford and boatyard on the site until the late
Saco residents viewed the races from 1970s.
the river banks.

Cataract Falls. Note Grist, Peoverell. Mill
on original mill. site, east of falls.

Saco River, steamer, the S. E. Spring, one of man),
ships tised for recreation.

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I Area Descriptions [Recommendations
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Overview/Riverwalk Concept

Overview Riverwalk
The site for the Riverfront Park is The riverfront location of the park, as
ideally located on the Saco River. well as it's proximity to other city
That this open space exists just 250 parks, naturally led to considering a
feet from Main Street and abuts series of connections to unite the
historic Pepperell Square is enough to city's parks systems to a riverfront
recommend its consideration for walk. The idea of linking the parks is
recreational uses. not a new one. However, this
riverfront park may be the first
Add to this ideal location the dynamic opportunity to realize this concept.
sight and sound of water rushing over
Cataract Falls, plummeting 50' to meet As illustrated on the Overall Site
the Saco River below. Scenic vistas of Plan, it is possible to link this
the Saco River flowing to the ocean, a Riverfront Park to Diamond Riverside
rocky shoreline perfect for bank Park, Jubilee Park, the Mutual Fire
fishing and a public boat ramp ensure Insurance Park at Storer and Main and
that this park will be popular. The Pepperell Park. Other key connections
park site is used now for fishing, for include the Saco Recreation Community
its views and for nature walks and will Center, the Open Door seniors center
be used for those purposes and others Laurel Hill Cemetery, and perhaps Camp
when these recommendations are Ellis.
implemented.
The term Riverwalk has described this
The site has a few design constraints. linkage concept thus far, although this
It is very narrow, averaging + 75' in is by no means the definitive name. A
width. It has a steep drop in grade recommendation for this concept is that
abutting the falls, dropping at a grade Saco Planning Board and Planning Staff
of + 45%. It is located on a dead end consider the Riverwalk as a project for
street, Front Street, at the end of further study and keep it in mind when
which is a wastewater treatment reviewing proposals for projects along
facility. Abutting the wastewater the riverfront.
treatment plant is the former public
works garage-, a site currently in use
as a recreational facility. A
privately run gymnastics school is
leasing space in the building. The
slope behind the garage rises steeply
to meet a path through the CMP right of
way at the end of Gray Avenue.

Upper Area

Description
The level area adjacent to Front Street will serve as the entrance to the park and the connection to Pepperell Square. It is bounded on two sided by granite block walls which elevate the abbutting Boston & Maine Railway tracks approximately 10' above grade. Ther are several existing trees, approximately 8" diameter at breast height, which creat a ceiling for this outdoor room. The outdoor room is defined on a third side by Cataract Falls. The falls have a powerful effect on the space, creating a strong draw to the view as well as to the magnetic sound of the rushing water. Despite the difficult access, people are already in the habit of sitting on the concrete wall rises to meet the railway's granite walls, both of which are spotted with spray-can graffiti.

The entire CMP property on the river side of Front Street is covered with young trees, save for the narrow area under the power lines recently cleared by CMP. The power poles are located in groups of three throughout the site. Paths crisscross under the lines and over the steep slopes where hikers have made their way to the water.

Many anglers enjoy fishing at the foot of the falls. Atlantic run salmon are present in the vicinity of the falls, thanks in part to the fish stocking program which has been in place since 1982. This stocking was done knowing that fish passage on the Saco is very difficult, though not impossible.

-Upper Area (con't.)

Recommendations
1. Request permission from CMP to use e. Develop the outdoor room.
their property for the recreational Solid design and adequate
uses specified in this study. maintenance/security will be
2. Develop the Upper Area so that it essential to the success of
is easily used as an urban -park, as this space.
an extension of the downtown. Hire Design considerations include:
a landscape architect for final 1. Proximity of the site to
design and constructions drawings Pepperell Square. This
to build this area of the park. site will attract workers
Final design should: on their lunch hours for
a. Define views/suggest selective lunch or quite
tree clearing. contemplation.
b. Create a 'sense of place' by 2. The existing walls (10'
making a formal entrance to the high) creating the room.
park. The walls could
c. Clear scrub growth throughout incorporate vines,
the Upper Area, particularly in interpretive signage or
front of the 3' granite block some type of memorial.
wall abutting Front Street. Another possibility of
d. Create a safe way to get to the merit is to incorporate
edge of the falls. Ideally artwork on the walls.
this would take the form of a Artist Howard Clifford
ramp with railing which would offered consultation on
be accessible to people with this concept.and his
physical handicaps. At the comments are included in
edge of the falls, install a this study (see page 25
small seating area (the 3. The majority of the
existing grade will accommodate existing trees should
this although construction remain to complete the
could be tricky). Install space. The space would be
lighting, benches, too stark without them.
landscaping. Add an 4. Lighting, seating, trash
interpretive marker which would cans, paths, landscaping,
discuss the view to Factory interpretive markers,
Island and downstream, signage.
commenting on the rich history 3. Continue to accommodate fishing at
of the area. It could also the base of the falls. Should
explain the purpose of the dam fishing continue to prove popular,
and how it functions. install a rod rack.

Existing Upper Falls Area

Af -

Proposed Garden Area Upper Falls

fiI

Air,

Overlook at Cataract Falls

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Proposed Overlook at Cataract Falls

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14,

Improvements to Front Street

Description
Front Street extends from Pepperell c. Provide parallel parking on one
Square to the Wastewater Treatment side of the street if it will
Plant along the Saco River. It is'a be two way and both sides of
substandard city street with minimal the street if it is to be a one
daily traffic. The railroad overpass way street. This parking will
which divides the park area from accommodate park users as well
Pepperell Square acts as a gate to the as people destined for
park. Once past the overpass, the park Pepperell Square.
unfolds on the right. d. A retaining wall of
approximately 3' height will
Front Street is not curbed and is probably be required along
approximately 18' to 20' wide. The Front Street from the entrance
paving is in disrepair with evident to the park at the Upper Area
patching of potholes, particularly to Wharf Street to accommodate
between Pepperell Square and Wharf the widening of the street.
Street. It will serve as the 2. Improve the connection between
automobile connection to the park and Pepperell Square and the park by
will need to accommodate those wishilig doing cosmetic work to the
to park and enjoy the scenic overlook, overpass.
cars with boat trailers using the boat a. Consult with the railroad about
ramp, traffic to the former Public painting the steel pipe
Works Garage reuse and traffic to the attached to the trestle a dark
Wastewater Treatment Plant. grey color to blend into
trestle.
b. Add site identification such as
"To Riverwalk" to the granite
Recommendations wall under trestle.
1. We recommend that an engineering c. Sandblast granite to remove
consultant be retained to plan the dirt under trestle.
improvements to Front Street. d. Add lighting.
a. Research the feasibility of 3. Define Front Street at the lower
making Front Street one way end by creating entrances to the
from Pepperell Square to Wharf Saco Yacht Club and the former
Street. Public Works Garage. Use grassed
b. Widen the street to 24' and islands, landscaping and/or curbing
repave it. Consult with to define the edge of street.
utilities to coordinate street
widening.

Path System

Description
Currently there is no formal path that Works Garage and up the hill,
connects the downtown with existing through to C.M.P. right of way to
recreational space. There are dirt the end of Gray Street. Refer to
paths that have been worn by use, the 1"=30' scale plans for
through the C.M.P. property at the conceptual location of the path
Upper Area down to the water and along system.
the shore. There is also a 5' wide 3. Install lighting in key areas.
mown, grassy path through the C.M.P. Minimum light levels on path to be
right of way that stretches from the .5 footcandles per square foot.
end of Gray Street behind the Public Add security lighting to areas
Works Garage and over to the water's which require police supervision.
edge past the Wastewater Treatment 4. Install railings where needed.
Facility. This path could connect 5. Install benches every 200' to meet
Front Street Park and Pepperell Square ANSI Standards and particularly at
to the Open Door senior citizen center, scenic overlooks.
Pepperell Park and the Community Center. 6. Where possible, build the path so
if the railroad pedestrian underpass it is accessible for people with
next to.the Open Door seniors center physical handicaps as required for
were improved. federally funded projects. Refer
to the American National Standards
Institute Publication 117.1 for
Path System Design Recommendations design standards. Assessment of
1. Obtain permission from C.M.P. to accessibility will have to be made
use their property for the when there is more topographic
recreational use specified in this information available.
study. Accessibility may not be possible
2. Develop an inviting, easily throughout due to constraints of
traversed path from Pepperell step slopes.
Square, through the C.M.P. 7. Where necessary, add gates to the
property, to the Cataract Falls path to restrict passage when park
overlook. Pave a path down to the is closed.
public boat ramp, a path down to a 8. Post sign with rules for recreation
landing overlooking the falls, in proximity to a hydropower
across the street to the old Public project as recommended by Central
Maine Power. (See Appendix)

Boat Ramp Improvements

Description
The public boat ramp located on Front trailer parking convenient to the
Street is bounded on one side by a boat ramp. Request permission from
small lot (5,000 square feet) owned by C.M.P. to encroach on their
a private citizen, Dr. Mackenzie, and property to accommodate the grading
the Saco Yacht Club on the other. of earth necessary to construct the
Across Front Street, there was a small trailer parking area.
boat repair shop which is now defunct. 5. Post speed limit for boats on the
The remains of the building still Saco River in a visible area next
stands. The business had a dock on the to the boat ramp. Fast moving
waterfront, just up river from the boats are adding to the erosion of
public boat ramp. marshland along the river. Consult
with Saco River Corridor Commission
Across the street from the boat ramp is on speed limit ranges.
the former Public Works Garage next to 6. Develop space to maneuver a car
a narrow band of level ground which with boat trailer in order to
belongs to the city. There is no easily back trailer into water to
existing parking for boaters or boat unload boat.
trailers. 7. If possible, acquire the McKenzie
property.
The boat ramp itself is in disrepair. 8. Build a pier overlooking the boat
The width of the ramp is somewhat ramp area with a seasonal float for
limited by the existing rock outcrops passenger boarding. Repair the
which make up the shoreline. The ramp existing wooden cribbing under
sits on a natural basin in the river proposed pier prior to pier
which is 6' deep on the average. There construction. Cribbing must be
exists an old buried gas tank near the repaired even if pier is not built.
boat ramp area. 9 Install lighting, benches and
signage with rules and speed limits
posted.
Design Recommendations 10. Clear brush next to boat ramp and
1. Improve and lengthen the ramp to be install lawn area as shown on plan.
functional during the year's lowest 11. Project the effect of the
tide. population increase resulting from
2. Expand ramp width to 20'. the Factory Island development and
3. Consider repjaving the ramp with consider erecting a concession
precast concrete strips, as stand with gas pump to accommodate
recently done at Saco Yacht Club increased population.
and as exists at Diamond Riverside 12. Build a boat rack to allow
Park boat ramp. At a minimum, the windsurfers, canoeists and kayakers
ramp should be repaved with a hot the option to store their crafts on
course of bituminous asphalt. site. Rent spaces to earn revenue
4. Develop car parking and boat for maintenance.

ExistIng Boat Launch

P08,91bla Future Vlow F,orn Boat Launch

Foe,., i I'v FO@7- 1

Public Works Garage Reuse

Description
Across Front Street from the boat ramp as boat/outboard engine repair,
is the existing former Public Works office for the harbor master,
Garage. It is a cinder block building boating license office, fishing
of 6600 square feet built in 1960's. supplies sales, etc.
Its eight large wooden garage doors 2. Explore the possibility of using
make up the facade of the building the space as a municipally managed
facing the water. Currently two-thirds facility for public use such as: a
of the space is rented for aerobics and day care center, a sailing school,
gymnastic classes. A portion of the a vocational school (with a
remainder is used for long term storage maritime emphasis), a health
by three city departments. The front recreation center.
yard.is entirely paved and is used for 3. Continue renting the space to
parking and access to the garage bays. interested parties. There is
presently a successful gymnastics
school renting space in the
building. Possibly work with the
Design Recommendations renter/leasor by offering matching
1. Explore the possibility of inviting funds for building improvements.
a cooperative effort between the 4. Improve the appearance of the
city and private enterprise for the building. Reduce number of bays.
building's improvement. A request Repair roof and provide drainage at
for proposal system could be used. rear to end water infiltration.
Emphasis should be placed on 5. Delineate parking areas. Install
inviting marine related uses, such landscaping and lighting.

-1.1. PublIc Worke Garage

6doo YaGht Club

Assessment of Environmental Impact

The design recommendations for the site natural constraints of steep slopes and
include minimal changes to existing rocky shoreline.
conditions. (Refer to Area
Descriptions and Design Recommendations Lighting levels will be increased on
for further information.) These site. Lighting will be required at the
changes should not significantly alter Upper Area to facilitate police patrols
the drainage patterns on site. and to add to the visual appeal pf the
Existing vegetation will be minimally site. Low levels of light have been
cleared in the upper area and at the recommended along the path system and
boat ramp to provide limited lawn area at the public boat ramp. Lighting of
for recreation. Any phosporus run off the parking near the former Public
from the addition of this lawn area Works Garage will also be necessary.
will be negligible. There will be no light spilling onto
residential areas.
Automobile traffic impact will change
minimally with the addition of + 15 The riverbank in this area is stable
parallel parking spaces provide7d on due to the naturally existing rock
street between the overpass and Wharf outcrop shoreline. There is a length
Street, as well as the undetermined (+ 20') of dilapidated cribbing
number of parking spaces in the stabilizing the bank where an old dock
vicinity of a former Public-Works used to be. We have recommended the
Garage. cribbing be repaired and a small
(10'xl5') pier be built over it to act
Foot traffic will be mainly limited to as a passenger pick up area for people
the constructed paths due to the using the public boat ramp.

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I Funding / Implementation
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Funding/Implementation

There are variety of funding resources
available for use in the implementation
of the Master Plan, once complete.
These are discussed below.

Coastal Zone Management Funds
As sponsors of this study, Maine's process for the proposals. The state
Coastal Program administered by the requires that the city match 50% of
State Office of Economic and Community their request to the program with other
Development has already provided major sources of funding. The State Office
support for the design and development of Economic and Community Development
of the project. There are two prefers to fund smaller projects with
potential sources of funding that might this program.
be used for additional work.
The program strongly favors land
The Waterfront Action Grant Program is acquisition, but land that is leased or
in its third year of operation and can included through with easements are
be used for small construction eligible for consideration. The
projects, waterfront renewal projects, program can not be used for title
and land acquisition projects that searches.
improve public access to the
waterfront. The definition of
waterfront for this program includes The Coastal Planning Grant Program
waterfront property and river front sponsored this study, and might be used
property on tidal rivers up to the head for additional projects in the city.
of the tides. For further information, contact:
Federal funding for the program is Sherry Hanson, Senior Planner
expected to be between $200,000 and Community Assistance Division
$300,000 in FY '88. There is a state State Office of Economic and Community
limit of $50,000 per community per Development
year, Communities that have received State House Station 130
previous waterfront Action funding will Augusta, Maine 04333
be aiven a handicap in the scoring Tel. 289-3154

Maine Coast Heritage Trust Land and Water Conservation Grants
The Maine Coast Heritage Trust (MCHT) Land and Water Conservation grants can
is a non-profit organization that be used to acquire lands and develop
serves as a broker of land conservation them, but can not be used for title
projects for landowners and other searches and appraisals. The land must
organizations and agencies. MCHT is be owned by the City (or sponsoring
primarily interested in participating agency) and can not be leased. It is
in projects with statewide possible for the City to apply the
significance. Specific services appraised value of land that is donated
available through Maine Coast Heritage to the City as part of the match for a
Trust include: LAWCON grant, but it can take up to two
years for the National Park Service to
Information on how to develop appraise and approve the donation.
conservation easements with landowners;
Federal funding for the Land and Water
Sample easements for use for preserving Conservation Grants (LAWCON) program
open space and significant coastal has dropped from a high of nearly $3
lands; million per year in the early 1980's to
a low of $300,000 in 1987. Because of
Educational materials and workshops for this, there is limited funding
landowners, explaining the tax available for major projects and a
implications of donating or selling upper limit of $75,000 per community
land to the City; and was established in 1987.

Educational materials and workshops on LAWCON requires that their grant
"bargain sales", whereby landowners can represent from 25-50% of the total cost
sell their land to the city at less of a project. LAWCON grants can be
than market values and have the matched with private sources of support
difference between the market value and and Community Development Block Grants,
the value of sale be tax-deductible. but not with Coastal Zone Management or
Federal Highway Funds.
The services of the Maine Coast
Heritage Trust are provided free of
charge. For further information,
contact:

Jay Espy, Associate Director
Maine Coast Heritage Trust
P.O. Box 416
Topsham, ME 04086
Tel. 729-7366

State Boating Faci lities Fund The National Endowment of the Arts (NEA)
The Boating Facilities Division has The National Foundation on the Arts and
resources available for public boat the Humanities Act was enacted in
ramp improvements. While the major 1965. The Congress found that "the
emphasis is on building and renovating encouragement and support of national
regional scale boat ramps, local scale progress and scholarship in the
boat ramps also qualify for funding. humanities and the arts, while
The'division has been in existence primarily a matter of private and local
since 1965. initiative, is also an appropriate
matter of concern to the Federal
The yearly budget for the fund hovers Government..."
around $725,000, depending on the
availability of federal funds. A site The Endowment assists individual
inspection is required before funding artists; those who act on behalf of
can be considered. There is potential artists or audiences; organizations
for the fund to cover 50% of the cost whose primary intention is artistic or
of the ramp, requiring the city to make educational; and state and local arts
up the difference through other agencies. Demonstrated or potential
channels. excellence and capacity to conceive,
develop, or present a work of art are
For further information, contact: primary criteria.
Richard Skinner
Supervisor of Boating Goals of the NEA:
Facilities Division 0 Demonstrate national
Bureau of Parks & Recreation recognition of the importance
State House Station 22 of artistic excellence.
Augusta, Maine 04333 0 Provide opportunities for
Tel. 289-3824 artists to develop their
talents.
Assure preservation of our
cultural heritage.
Increase the performance,
exhibition, and transmission
of art to all people
throughout the nation.
Deepen understanding and
appreciation of the arts among
all people nationwide.
Encourage serious and
meaningful art programs as
part of basic education.
0 Stimulate increasing levels of
nonfederal support of the arts.

Grants for organizations may be used to
pay no more than half the total cost of
any project.

Grants are generally awarded for a
12-month period.

NEA (con't.)

1988 Theme: Design of Cities

Periodically, the Design Arts Program distinction to a place and propose
establishes a national theme in design strategies to strengthen the
response to emerging and significant quality of a specific environment. By
issues in the field. The purpose is to helping others to assess, visualize,
encourage designers to apply their and debate alternatives to change,
skills and knowledge in areas where designers can make a critical
their contributions may be particularly difference.
timely or important.
The Endowment invites organizations and
In 1988, the Program will continue its individuals to submit proposals for
focus on cities. The National Theme: design projects that will lend
Design of Cities is an incentive for identify, vitality, quality, and
applicants to consider projects, meaning to public places. For example,
activities, and investigations that a project might identify and map an
address this concern. area's physical resources--such as a
riverfront, historic neighborhood, park
Designing cities or, more broadly, the system, industrial artifacts, or
public realm, is a challenge for all harbor--and develop innovative zoning
the design arts. For our experience of or design proposals to protect,
a public place does not come from its enhance, and enliven them. Projects
architecture alone; it derives from addressing specific features of public
space as well as buildings, movement as places--signs, seating areas, or paving
well as signs, sound as well as vision, patterns, for example--are also
trees as well as streets. It is the welcome. Project proposals might
totality of a pla6e that influences our include a media project, exhibition,
experience. working design, conference, workshop
series, demonstration project, or
The Endowment, in selecting the design research. An applicant could also
of cities as its national theme, is propose a project that combine7s any of
seeking.to encourage designers to find these activities into one overall
ways to improve the quality of urban project.
design and the public realm. Although
cities are shaped by an accumulation of Public Information Office
design decisions, intended and National Endowment for the Arts
unintended, made by many people, Nancy Hanks Center
professional designers have a special 1100 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W.
role to play. They can identify the Washington, D.C. 20506
natural, cultural, and aesthetic 202-682-5400
elements that lend character and 202/682-5496 Voice/TTY

Private Funding.Sources
There are a wide variety of
o
pportunities for obtaining funding for
the park from private foundations,,
orporations, community service groups,
or private individuals. Fundraising
efforts could be implemented
incrementally over a number of years
should phasing for the park
improvements be deemed desirable. It
is premature to identify appropriate
fundraising sources until specific
budgets are developed for various
components of the Master Plan.

Once the materials and costs for the
projects are identified, the City might
consider hiring a fundraising
professional to develop a detailed
fundraising strategy. A key aspect of
the strategy should be to dovetail with
and compliment previously existing
fundraising activities in the
community. A wish list produced in
association with the City might be one
mechanism used to raise money. Another
innovative funding source might be the
National Endowment for the Arts "Design
of Cities" Program, as described on the
previous page

Phasing Task Force

The project breaks down into five A task force should be appointed to the
separate elements, each a separate City Council to guide the Riverfront
construction project. These are: Park & Boat Ramp project to
1. Upper Area completion. The task force could be
2. Improvements to Front Street responsible for assigning the final
3. Path System design and construction drawings,
4. Boat Ramp Improvements reviewing them, making recommendations
5. Public Works Garage Reuse to council on construction phasing, and
supervising construction.
Refer to Area Descriptions/Design
Recommendations for sepcifics on each Issues to be considered by the Task
area. Force include:
Maintenance
Determination of which element(s) of Security
the project to construct first must be Budget
based on city budget constraints, grant Recreational needs of Saco's
availability, assessment of Saco's residents, now and projected
recreational needs, Pepperell Square Public health, safety and welfare
parking congestion, etc. Final design
and construction drawings are required Suggested appointees to the Task Force
prior to construction. include:
Parks and Public Works
representative
Planning Staff representative
Police Department representative
Pepperell Square business
representative
Saco Yacht Club Representative
Neighborhood representative
Citizen-at-large
City Council representative
Planning Board representative

Artist's Involvement

Artist Howard-Clifford was invited to An interesting sidelight is Mr.
review the Riverfront Park site and Clifford's skill in salmon fishing. He
give his opinion on the potential for holds the United States record for
artist's involvement in the park. He catching the largest Atlantic Salmon.
has recorded his comments in a letter He recommended installing a rod rack
which follows. The narrative is along the base of Cataract Falls, if
an excerpt from an announcement from the park continues to attract anglers.
his recent show at the Baxter Gallery Using the rod rack is a method of
in Portland, Maine. It is included to queing up so everyone has equal
familiarize the Planning Board with his opportunity to fish a popular spot.
qualification to evaluate the site.

W/W
44 St
, ml@

"The stone wall on the right at the park entrance has two places --- there are stones
that would function well either attaching an artwork to it or --- carving a relief
into it."
Howard Clifford

Howard Clifford: Paintings Text by Steven S. High

The landscapes of Howard Clifford evoke a utopian decidedly critical message about the present.
environment void of all human activity. They are
idyllic and serene settings which, through their mini- Howard Clifford has been systematically investigating
malist abstraction and purposeful cultural naivete, his own relationship with nature over the last ten
illuminate for us the sad knowledge that pure land- years. His earlier work maintained a seemingly
scape, untouched by civilization, no longer exists. In balanced apolitical view-nature seen as a vast plain
the contemporary world, the representation of such of rolling green hills and white cumulus clouds,
simplicity, idealism, Lind serenitv creates a condition of idylli`c, -peaceful, ye-t unreal. Recently the artist's- vi-
irony caused by an absurd relati'on to the political sion has intensified, the palette aquiring a wider range
and environmental reality of the world. of acidic colors, the once pacific white clouds now
taking on an ominous orange hue. These works shift
Nowhere, in fact, is this irony more clearly delineated from the nostalgia of the past to a warning of the
than in landscape painting today. As seen in the work future. The artist has found a perfect metaphor for our
of Howard Clifford, and painters David Deutsch, civilization. In his most recent works, Surt'ace
April Gornik, Neil jennev and Susan Shatter, contem- Series x (H-Bomb- Dory- Sunset) 1987 and Cloud
porary landscape painting' retains a romantic link to Series xxxxx (Bomb Blast) 1987, the symbols of this
the past-to a time when the land was primitive and destruction become most manifest. In these works
overpowering. This cold, analytical approach to land- Clifford extends the cycle by clearly implicating the
scape unites these artists' work with forms that are cause of his imagery. He has traveled from the
clearly defined, separated, and above all, barren. pastoral to the apocalyptic. Through observing this
Their paintings evoke the sublime, yet a sublime that cycle the viewer gains the strangest insight into the
is appropriated from history in order to convey a artist's unfolding vision.,

HOWARD CLIFFORD. JR.

December 26, 1987

To the Saco Planning Board,

The proposed park area in Saco that I visited with Sue Lambe on
December 18 holds a number of places that art work would work well,
fitting into the existing environment.

The stone wall on the right at the part entrance has two places,
one just at the entrance and the second approximately halfway to the
dam wall.

In each case there are stones that would function well, either
attaching an art work to it (such as a bronze) or by using the stone
itself and carving a relief into it.

The other feasible area, the concrete dam wall, also makes a very
handsome place for a work. With a pit sunk in front of it and a
railing to thwart vandalism, it would show off an art work to its
maximum advantage.

In discussing the types of work with Sue, it seemed wise to have
something for everyone. Therefore, at the entrance the first work
might be representational, perhaps depicting a scene or artifact from
local history. The pieces would then become increasingly abstract,
with the piece at the dam wall projecting an artist's interpretation
of the dynamic feeling the space gives.

REFERENCES

Amended Application for New License for the Cataract Project by
Central Maine Power Volume 2, Exhibit E, Draft Copy. No date.

Comprehensive Land Use Plan, City of Saco, September 1987.
Consultant: John Rahenkamp Consultants, Inc.

Cataract Hydroelectric Redevelopment Project, Biddeford-Saco, Me.
Central Maine Power. No date.

Greenbelt Master Plan, City of South Portland, October, 1987.
Consultant: Skinner & Lambe, Inc.

Management Plan: Eastern Promernade & Fort Gorges, City of Portland,
May 1986. Consultants: Applied Economic Research, Land Use Plan
Associates, Childs Engineering, People, Places & Design.

Bikeway Plan, Portland Area Comprehensive Traffic Study.

Condition Survey of River Bottom, U.S. Army Corps of Eng ineers, Saco
River, Drawing No. 2174 D-2-1, Sht 5 of 5, June 1982.

Contour Information, 12968 FIA Work Map, Community: Saco, York-Co.,
Me. Panel No: 8 of 11.

Poore's Island Project, Saco, Maine. Saco Jaycees, 1981.

Potential Uses of Front Street Property, Memorandum for Kathleen
Leyden to Ronald Stewart, 1/13/86.

ANSI 117.1-1980 American National Standards Institute, Inc.
(Specifications on site usability for people who are physically
handicapped.)

Sands, Spindles & Steeples, Roy P. Fairfield, Progressive
Printing-Manifold Co., Portland, Maine. 1956.

Opinion of Cost

Item Description Quantity Unit Price Total

Perennials 250 $6/ea $ 1,500.00
Shrub 46 60/ea 2,760.00
Small Tree 11 225/ea 2,475.00
Large Tree 8 350/ea 2,800.00
Evergreen 27 200/ea 5,400.00
7'x3' Wood Sign w/2 posts 1 150/ea 150.00
Benches 12 750/ea 9,000.00
Interpretive Markers 3 550/ea 1,650.00
Brick Edging 410 S.F. 8/S.F. 3,280.00
Stonedust Path 250 S.Y. 1.1/S.Y. 277.50
Flagstone Path 240 S.F. 9-59/S.F. 2,302.00
Asphalt Walk 1,432 S.Y. 9.54/S.Y. 13,661.00
Timbersteps 30 2/220 3,330.00
Railing 150 L.F. 6.75/L.F. 1,015.00
Clearing & Grubbing .6 AC 3,000/AC 1,800.00
Lawn Area 4.7 M.S.F. 640/M.S.F. 3,008.00
Extra Paving at Front Street 781 S.Y. 14-5/S.Y. 11,325.00
Top Coat at Front Street 1,955 S.Y. 2.23/S.Y. 4,360.00
Parking Areas 2,382.S.Y. 14-5/S.Y. 34,539.00
Crosswalk 2 35/ea 70.00
Blast Ledge 740 C.Y. 16/C.Y. 11,840.00
Stone Retaining Wall 210 L.F. 61/L.F. 12,810.00
Overpass Price not available
Demolition Building 12,000 C.F. 17/C.F. 2,040.00
Wood Floating Dock 360 S.F. 17/S.F. 6,120.00
Boat Ramp (20'x45') 900 S.F. 4.50 S.F. 4,050.00
Pier 150 S.F. 22/S.F. 3,300.00
Floating Dock 120 S.F. 17/S.F. 2,040.00
Plant.Islands @ Yacht Club
Granite Curbing 270 L.F. 13-95/L.F. 3,770.00
Curve Granite Curbing 100 L.F. 26/L.F. 2,600.00
Lawn 2 M.S.F. 640/M.S.F. 1,280.00

154,522.50
+30% Contingency 46,365.75
$200,918.25

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Liability

A key issue for the City's implementation of the park is resolving the
question of liability for private property owners. Participation in
the park by private property owners will be strictly voluntary, and
before these property owners are approached for easements, the City
should be able to clearly describe to them whether through their
participation they are incurring potential liabilities.

The liabilities are of two types:
(1) Possible actions taken by a user of the park if the u'ser.is
injured while crossing the private property--either within
.the easement or while straying off the easement elsewhere on
the private property; and

(2) Possible damage to private property caused by users of the
park.

The city of Saco should request that the City's Corporation Counsel
review these possibilities and to advise whether or not present state
law and/or potential easement language would give the private property
assurances of protection against these liabilities.

The issue of the first type of liability (injury to users) may be
adequately addressed by state law, specifically two statutes, Title 14
M.R.S,A., Section 159-A and Title 14 M.R.S.A., Section 8103.

The second type of liability (damage to private property) probably
must be handled through easement language. Certainly, anybody whose
property has been damaged by others has the right to seek a remedy
from the person(s) doing the damage. However, that prospect is
unlikely to give sufficient comfort to property owners who are
deciding whether or not to provide the City with an easement for the
park and linkages to other city parks.

Pending the legal advice of Corporation Counsel, the City should
consider incorporating into the easement language that would indemnify
property owners against damage that clearly results from public use of
the park or park system linkages as it crosses private property.- This
type of language has been built into easements already given cities in
Maine, notably the City of South Portland, by developers for
recreational paths.

And finally, the City should examine its insurance policies to
determine whether insurance coverage is appropriate and possible for
this type of situation.

CMP Safety Rules

Recreation

and Hydro

10 Commandments of Water Safety

1. Avoid alcoholic drinks while fishing 6. Pay attention to weather reports

2. Regard every boat as possibe to 7. Always tell someone where you are
capsize and do not stand up. going and when you will return

3. Always WEAR a life preserver. It is 8. When rescuing try to throw some
nearly impossible to put one on in thing to the party rather than going
the water. into the water yourself

4. Carry the leaglly required safety 9. Never anchor by the stem

5. Dress warmly for any fishing trip 10. Stay with your boat. Wait for help.
Cold water kills.

CMP Safety Rules

Ceatral
About CMP, aine
P6wer

Central Maine Power Company operates 23 hydroelectric sites along Maine's rivers.
These stations produce a combined capacity of over 300,000 kilowatts, or about
21 percent of CMP's total electric energy.
Hydroelectric power is produced from the energy of failing water. As changes in hydro
power production occur, water levels above and below the dams can change quickly.

Rules for Safety....

Because of the dangers associated with the water level changes near hydro stations,
CMP and the Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife urge you to obey the following
'safety rules:

IMU 1A
n
I a Swimming in the vicinity of hydro' stations is PROHIBITED.
2. Fishing is allowed only from the river banks in designated areas.
I No wading or boating near water discharge (tailrace) areas.
4. When boating upstream from a hydro station, 00 NOT go near the water intake areas.
5. Obey all signs and rules set by CMP personnel and game wardens.

For your sake....

These few rules are for your safety. Water level changes occurring without warning can
pose significant risks. Adherence to these simple rules of safety can help us all avoid
unnecessary accidents.
If an accident should occur, report it immediately to CMP personnel or local authorities.
Epqa'
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