Bowdoinham’s Waterfront Signage Project to Boost Local Economy and Tourism

The Town of Bowdoinham is proud to announce the launch of a new interpretive and wayfinding signage initiative at its waterfront parks, designed to strengthen the local economy by attracting more visitors and supporting small businesses. This project is a strategic investment in Bowdoinham’s long-term economic development goals and is expected to enhance the town’s appeal as a regional destination for outdoor recreation, the arts, agri-tourism, and community events.

Funded in part by the Community Outdoor Recreation Assistance Recovery Program (CORA) using federal funds from the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA), of the U.S. Department of Commerce, and administered by the Maine Office of Outdoor Recreation, the signage project aims to improve navigation and storytelling throughout Mailly Waterfront Park, the newly developed 20-acre Bowdoinham Riverfront Park, and the Cathance River Trail system.

“Our goal is to invite visitors from our waterfront parks into the heart of Bowdoinham’s cultural and commercial life,” said Yvette Meunier, director of planning & development. “Whether it’s discovering our local art galleries, enjoying live music at Merrymeeting Hall or our summer concerts, stopping at roadside farm stands, or launching a motorboat or using our accessible kayak launch to access Merrymeeting Bay, this project helps people connect with everything Bowdoinham has to offer.”

The signage will support Bowdoinham’s vibrant calendar of events, including the Celebrate Bowdoinham, the Summer Sundays Concert Series, farmers’ markets, Open Farm and Studio Day, the Tour de Bowdoinham charity bike ride, and the Holiday Festival to name a few. These events draw hundreds of visitors each year, and improved wayfinding is expected to increase foot traffic and sales for local vendors, artisans, and service providers.

The project also complements the development of the Merrymeeting Trail, a proposed 30-mile multi-use trail connecting Bowdoinham to Topsham, Richmond, and beyond. This regional trail network, which will eventually link 48 miles of uninterrupted trail between Augusta, Bath, and Brunswick, is poised to generate tourism revenue and create new opportunities for local entrepreneurship.

The Midcoast Council of Governments (MCOG) has identified the signage initiative as a key contributor to regional economic growth. “We feel strongly that these park investments will bring about the economic benefits of exposing a new population to the businesses, restaurants, and small pop-up attractions that are part of Bowdoinham’s village and waterfront experience,” said Mathew Eddy, Executive Director of MCOG.

While economic development is the driving force behind the project, accessibility remains a guiding principle. The signage is being designed in partnership with Community Geographics, an outdoor accessibility and mapping organization, and the Age Friendly Committee of Bowdoinham, ensuring that all visitors—including those with physical and cognitive limitations—can enjoy and navigate the parks with ease.

“This proposal is a logical next step to act on our study’s recommendation to install easy-to-read and understand signage, which will encourage more use of the trails by a greater diversity of visitors,” said Maureen Booth, Chair of the Age Friendly Committee. “As the waterfront becomes the center of community social, civic, and economic life, high priority must be placed on its accessibility by everyone—including young and old and people of all abilities. This project is a critical step in fulfilling that vision.”

The Town’s Community Development Advisory Committee worked closely with the Kennebec Estuary Land Trust (KELT), Friends of Merrymeeting Bay, and Maine Inland Fisheries and Wildlife’s Beginning with Habitat to develop interpretive content that highlights the local ecology, shoreline restoration efforts, and the unique flora and fauna of Merrymeeting Bay. The Town Sexton, Frank Connors, was also consulted on local history for the project and longtime local resident and signage designer Robin Riendeau, owner of Banana Banners, was instrumental in the project’s design and execution. Together, the Town ensured the signage reflects Bowdoinham’s natural beauty, cultural heritage, and inclusive values.

With implementation underway, Bowdoinham is poised to become a model for small-town revitalization through inclusive outdoor recreation and strategic investment.

This project was supported by the Town of Bowdoinham using federal funds under award 01-79-15159/URI:11815 from the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA), U.S. Department of Commerce . The statements, findings, conclusions, and recommendations are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the EDA, or the U.S. Department of Commerce.

For more information, please contact:
Yvette Meunier
Director of Planning & Development
Town of Bowdoinham
[email protected]