To the Citizens of Camden,

As stewards of Harbor Park, the Trustees of the Camden Public Library support a YES vote on Article 7.

Harbor Park is a historic gift to the people of Camden from Mary Louise Curtis Bok; the Board of Trustees approaches with deep commitment our responsibility to preserve and protect this space. Nearly a century ago, Mrs. Bok partnered with Olmsted Brothers landscape firm to create an oasis of simple, natural beauty in the heart of Camden. Her goal was to provide a place of respite and enjoyment for all people, a vision that continues to shape the character of the Library grounds today.

Since the early 1950s, more frequent and intense instances of extreme weather, such as higher tides and stronger winds and storms, have been causing repeated and increasing degradation to Harbor Park’s shoreline in the form of erosion and structural damage.

Ongoing efforts to repair structural components bordering the park, particularly the sluiceway, seawall, and other granite masonry, are no longer financially responsible or sufficient to protect this beloved public space. Unfortunately, we have been forced to take interim actions, such as removing plantings along the seawall and moving or eliminating park benches, which are contrary to the original Olmsted plans but necessary to mitigate further harm to the landscape. Now, both Harbor Park and Mrs. Bok’s vision for it are at risk. 

Scenario C, as presented in Article 7, offers a thoughtful and necessary response to these challenges. Library Trustees have invested countless hours in researching the original design philosophy of Olmsted Brothers and the intentions of Mrs. Bok. Scenario C aligns with their enduring vision.

The Trustees have been, and will continue to be, active participants in the design process for any changes that affect Harbor Park. Our involvement, and engagement with the Olmsted Network, ensures the Park’s core values are honored and the outcome reflects its historical significance and future promise.

The priorities, as detailed in our Statement on Harbor Park (April 2024),  include:

Fidelity to the Olmsted design philosophy, maintaining open green spaces, curved pathways, natural native plantings, and unobstructed views — all intended to create a peaceful, natural retreat in the heart of Camden.

Shoreline resilience, with structures and grounds that are designed to withstand projected sea level rise and storm impacts through the year 2100.

Preservation and thoughtful expansion of usable parkland, particularly into the intertidal zone, which now offers opportunities for recreation and education where industrial use once dominated.

Inclusion of educational elements, such as interpretive signage and a land acknowledgment, consistent with the Library’s mission to foster learning and civic engagement.

Aesthetic integrity, keeping with the original Olmsted Brothers plan by integrating upper and lower park spaces, using native vegetation, and maintaining sightlines to the harbor and mountains.

Improved accessibility and safety for all community members, with special attention to seasonal hazards, ADA compliance, and four-season usability.

The Town of Camden must take prompt action to remediate Harbor Park and preserve it for future generations. Article 7 represents a commitment to protecting the legacy of Harbor Park without imposing an additional tax burden on Camden residents.

The alternative, a complex, multi-million dollar process of rebuilding and then maintaining the decaying structural components abutting Harbor Park, will impose incremental taxes and fail to preserve the landscape as envisioned by Mrs. Bok and Olmsted Brothers.

A YES vote on Article 7 presents the best opportunity to ensure that Harbor Park, where the mountains meet the sea, remains a place of beauty and enjoyment for all people, forever. 

Camden Public Library Board of Trustees

• Kristen Smith, President
• Natalie Travia, Vice President
• Elizabeth Senders, Treasurer
• Jennifer Gromada, Secretary
• Marisa Baskin
• Erin Donovan
• Patty Eddy
• Ken Gardiner
• Jacob Gerritsen
• Jana Mohr Lone
• Jeremy Pratt
• Heather Shanklin
• Laurence Ward
• Kendra Watkins
• Christina Young