What's in store for the month ahead? Everything that goes hand-in-hand with summer: Beach days, farmers market Sundays, and even an event dedicated to the season itself—Summerfest! We hope you'll take advantage of Scarborough amenities (beaches, parks, trails) and programs in these few weeks before school starts up again. Read on for further details.

Scarborough Public Library is not only a go-to for books and movies, but also a wide array of free programs. Scroll to the end of the newsletter for a few highlights, but know there are many, many more!

Tuesday: National Night Out with Scarborough Public Safety

Tuesday, August 5

5:30-7:30pm

Memorial Park, 5 Durant Drive

The Scarborough Police Department is holding a National Night Out celebration on Tuesday, August 5 at Memorial Park. National Night Out is an annual community-building campaign that promotes police-community partnerships and neighborhood camaraderie. Stop by to meet our Scarborough police officers and K9, have a treat from the ice cream truck and take part in some demos and activities. There will be free pizza (while it lasts), police and fire-themed cupcakes decorated by MePowered Pastries, dance classes by The Salt Flat Dance Collaborative, and bubbles!

Groundbreaking Event for Eastern Trail Project

Last week the Town of Scarborough held a groundbreaking ceremony to mark the start of the Eastern Trail "Close the Gap" project construction. It was an opportunity to recognize the efforts of many, many organizations, individuals, businesses, and other donors whose perseverance brought this project into fruition.

Ceremony speakers included Tom Hall (Scarborough Town Manager), April Sither (Chair, Scarborough Town Council), Jennifer Grant (Director of Planning, MaineDOT), Ryan Sommer (President, Eastern Trail Management District), Chelsey Berlin (Executive Director, Eastern Trail Alliance/ETMD), and Carole Brush (Former ETMD Executive Director).

After the formal "groundbreaking", invitees were able to walk the portion of the trail currently under construction from Pleasant Hill Road toward Wainwright Sports Complex in South Portland. This project will add 1.6 miles of off-road trail to the Eastern Trail, connecting the trail segment off Eastern Road to the northern trail segment near the Wainwright. Construction will be completed in phases, anticipated to be fully complete by October 2027. 

Follow along for project updates on our website.

Stunning Entries in Our Photo Contest!

"Cheeseburger in Paradise" by Brian Karbel

"Great Egret" by Cathy Dragoni

"Bloom Where You Are Planted" by Cindy Parenteau

"Hummingbird" by Colleen Mars

Enter yours!

📸 Accepting Entries Until August 25th

Outdoors is the place to be this summer in Scarborough—its parks, nature preserves, and beaches provide the perfect setting for the season. We want to see these spaces through your lens. Snap photos while you're out enjoying scenery or time with family, and share with us for a chance to win!

Submit up to three photos with a title and caption (optional). They must be taken in Scarborough and outdoors to qualify! For each photo, select which category to enter it into:

Categories

• Beaches
• Scenic Landscapes
• Nature & Wildlife
• Parks & Paths
• Pets, Family & Fun

Photos will be uploaded to Facebook on a rolling basis. The photo with the most 'Likes' in each category will win a gift card from a local Scarborough business. Thanks to Dairy Corner, El Rayo, Cafe Luna, and Dunstan Tap & Table for the great prizes!

Friday, August 15th: Summerfest, FREE Event!

Join us on Friday, August 15th from 5:00-10:00pm for the 29th Annual Scarborough Summerfest at the High School Sports Complex—our biggest event of the year! Come for games and activities, crafts, giveaways, food trucks, live entertainment, and a spectacular fireworks show to finish the night!

Featuring

• Fireworks Show: Begins at 9:15pm Sponsored by Empeople Credit Union
• Kid's Bounce Zone: 5:00-9:00pm Sponsored by Town & Country Federal Credit Union
• Pony Rides and Roaming Railroad Train Rides
• Public Safety and Public Works Demos and Displays

NEW for 2025

Children's Entrepreneur Market: An award-winning program that teaches young people about the power of entrepreneurship, innovation, and leadership through experiential learning. Kids rise to the challenge of deciding what to sell, creating a booth, talking to customers, and handling money.  

Maine POPS Concert Band Performance 6:00-7:00pm Sponsored by Moe's BBQ

Main Stage Band: Slane 7:00-9:00pm Sponsored by The Little Gym Scarborough

A detailed event map, schedule, and more fun details to come! Check back on our website

High School Outdoor Basketball Courts Closed for Renovation

As of July 28, the outdoor basketball courts at Scarborough High School are closed for a full renovation. The courts will be ripped up, repaved, and resurfaced, with new backboard systems installed to create a better playing experience. Four permanent pickleball courts will also be added to the surface. The project is expected to be completed by September 15, 2025. We appreciate your patience during this time and look forward to unveiling the refreshed courts this fall!

Alternative basketball courts are available at Blue Point Park. For questions, contact Scarborough Community Services at 207-730-4150.

New Community Services Newsletter

Our Community Services department has a separate newsletter all about the programs and events they offer. Sign up for the Community Services newsletter to receive updates on local programs, events, ticket sales, trips, and resources designed to support and enrich our vibrant community.

Making Scarborough Roads Safer

Road safety continues to be a major priority for the Town of Scarborough when considering infrastructure investments. Hare are some updates:

Town Council Formally Accepts New Transportation Assessment

The Transportation Committee completed the Townwide Transportation Assessment after an intensive past year working with consultants. It was formally accepted by the Town Council in July and will serve as a guide for priority future road projects and funding needs.

Broadturn/Burnham Intersection Becomes 4-Way Stop

What is currently a 2-way stop at the intersection of Broadturn Rd and Burnham Rd will soon become an all-way stop with advanced warning. MaineDOT will begin installing signage on August 12, but surveyors may be out sooner. This is a high crash site and was selected by the State as a high priority safety project. The Town had also identified this in the Transportation Assessment and collaborated with MDOT to give feedback on the project development.

Traffic Signals Coming to Mussey/Payne Road Intersection

Another critical area identified for safety improvements is the intersection of Mussey Road and Payne Road. New traffic signals will be installed this September. Additionally in that area, a median will be installed on Gorham Road at Payne Road, also for safety measures.

Other Traffic & Transportation News

East Grand Ave Roadway Design: Earlier this week the Town held a community meeting in the Pine Point neighborhood to meet with residents about a future East Grand Ave road project. The road was identified as an opportunity to be a "complete streets" project both in the Transportation Assessment and in GPCOG's Connect 2050, a strategy to improve Greater Portland's network of roadways, transit services, and walking and biking facilities. Learn more and view public meeting presentation.

Metro Connect Pilot Project: The Town Council made it a goal this year to explore public transit options with regional providers. Our 2023 community survey identified that residents were least satisfied with public transportation (20% “very satisfied” or “satisfied”). This fall we'll be sharing more information about Metro Connect, a limited on-demand service model intended to be used as a shuttle service between transportation stops, where a user books a ride from anywhere in the service area and a transit van picks them up (it's currently implemented in Falmouth). 

Board & Committee Newsletter

Last week we sent a board and committee-specific newsletter to you. This is a special edition of our regular newsletter that we like to send periodically on topics we don't want you to miss. In it we shared some news of retail developments and subdivisions recently reviewed by the Planning Board, the Sustainability Committee's review of a Climate Action Plan, and the Transportation Committee's work toward a public transit pilot program. Give the newsletter a quick read-through to learn more if you haven't already.

Want to Run for Elected Office? Accepting Nominations

It's going to be a full ballot for the November 2025 election! Terms are ending for two seats on the Town Council, two seats on the Sanitary District, and one on the Board of Education. If you are interested in running for any of these seats, pick up nomination papers in the Town Clerk's office. Nomination papers will be available on Wednesday, August 6 and are due by close of business on Wednesday, September 3.

Town Council: 2 seats, 3-year term

Sanitary District: 2 seats, 3-year term 

Board of Education: 1 seat, to fill a vacancy created by Alissa K. Peterson with a term to expire 2027

For questions, contact the Clerk's office at (207) 730-4020.

Know a Resident Over 90? Apply for Boston Post Cane

The Town of Scarborough is accepting nominations for a recipient of the Boston Post Cane. This is an honor given to the town's oldest resident, a tradition which began in 1909 by The Boston Post newspaper and still honored in over 400 New England towns. In order to be eligible, the holder of the Cane must be 90 years old or older and must reside in the Town of Scarborough for a minimum of the last 20 years. Nominations will be accepted for 30 days, and a committee will meet in September to review applicants. Once selected, Scarborough's oldest resident will be presented with a plaque and lapel pin.

August 20: Vulnerability Assessment Workshop

Wednesday, August 20, 5:30pm

Council Chambers / Zoom (Link TBD)

Since Spring 2024, the Town has been working with consultants to develop a Vulnerability Assessment to identify Scarborough's coastal flooding risks and develop adaptation strategies. With the Assessment nearly complete, the Town Council is holding a workshop to provide an overview of the process, review current and future flooding scenarios, highlight Scarborough’s vulnerable areas and infrastructure, and discuss recommendations for how the Town may adapt to sea level rise.

Pine Point during the January 13, 2024 storm

Interactive Map Shows Potential Flooding Areas

The results of the Vulnerability Assessment are presented as an interactive StoryMap. The map shows the data used or collected through the assessment process, highlights vulnerable areas in Scarborough, and will suggest adaptation strategies that may be implemented to make Scarborough more resilient to flooding. The map is intended to be a living tool that will be updated as new information becomes available and as adaptation strategies are implemented. The project team will walk through the StoryMap during the workshop.

Upcoming Meetings With Coastal Communities

Meetings with the Higgins Beach and Pine Point communities to review the results of the Vulnerability Assessment are scheduled for September:

Higgins Beach

September 4, 6:00pm

Higgins Beach Association Clubhouse (& Zoom)

Pine Point

September 9, 6:00pm

Pine Point Fire Station (& Zoom)

Project Background

Scarborough, like other coastal communities, is feeling the impacts of sea level rise, storm surge, and increased precipitation. The January 2024 storms were devastating to residents, properties, and infrastructure and point to the need to address the Town’s most at-risk areas and infrastructure. The Town Council approved funding to complete the Vulnerability Assessment as part of the Fiscal Year 2024 budget (passed in June 2023). The project kicked off in May 2024 with support from consultants GEI. A working group of Town staff, residents of Pine Point, Prouts Neck, and Higgins Beach neighborhoods, and representatives from other community groups have helped guide the project.

The Vulnerability Assessment is the Town’s first step to improving flood resiliency. Future work will include completing engineered designs and construction of priority sites identified in the assessment. The Town will also seek grant funds to support the work, but capital investments are also expected. 

More information about the Vulnerability Assessment is available in the Stay Connected/What’s Happening section of the Town’s website. 

Questions for You: Community Survey Launches Soon

The Town of Scarborough is launching a town-wide community survey this September to seek feedback from residents. The statistically valid survey covers questions regarding satisfaction with town services and the direction the community is headed. The timeline is consistent with the two-year cadence that the Town has sought out to seek feedback from residents since the 2021 survey was launched. The Town uses this information to set council goals and inform projects/initiatives. Stay tuned for details!

Pine Point Crossing Bridge Renamed to Honor Veterans

Efforts by Maine resident Calista Cross drove the renaming of a bridge in Scarborough to honor veterans from our community. In January, the Town Council voted to approve a request to rename Pine Point Crossing, Bridge 5260 to Scarborough Veterans Memorial Bridge. The State of Maine has a program that allows municipalities to name a bridge in honor of its veterans who have served our country and community. With local legislative approval MDOT will supply the signage and install it. Cross attended the July council meeting to extend her gratitude and present a flag board to the Council as appreciation for their support.

October 5: Sustainable Scarborough Day

Scarborough residents and town officials deeply value Scarborough's natural resources, conservation, and a commitment to sustainability. Three years ago, the Town held its first Sustainable Scarborough Day in early October, and it has since become a tradition! The day highlights many local businesses and organizations that align with these efforts. This year's Sustainable Scarborough Day will be held on Sunday, October 5th from 10:00am-2:00pm. It's free and geared toward all ages! Come learn about electric vehicles, native plants for your garden, reducing household waste, and more.

Are you a vendor who would like to participate? We still have room! Contact Sustainability Manager Jami Fitch at jfitch@scarboroughmaine.org.

Council Corner: Summer Positivity

By Larry Cain, Town Council

The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the Scarborough Town Council.

Happy summer from your newest Town Councilor! There is a wide variety of work in front of the Council, but right now, let’s focus on summer in Scarborough. It took a while to arrive, but it is certainly worth the wait.

Summer allows for rest and relaxation and there is no better place to do that than Scarborough. From concerts, sports and Summerfest to beaches, marshes and trails, this town is better than most when it comes to taking advantage of the warmer months.

It is also the perfect time to reflect on how fortunate we are to live here. While the facilities and natural resources are outstanding, it is the people that make it special. Friendly workers at our stores, drivers who stop to let a car out of the parking lot, helpful public safety teams and neighbors who look out for each other are examples of how we all contribute to the fabric of our community.

So why the heartfelt sentiments? I want to suggest that Scarborough benefits as a whole when our community pulls together and gets involved. Your voice matters in this town. In the short time since my election, I have seen four policy decisions impacted by the citizens contributing their voices to the process:

• Changes to the Animal Control Ordinance were put off to allow for input from all stakeholders.
• An effort to create a Short Term Rental ordinance will be reconsidered in the future because people thought the suggested version was too restrictive and burdensome for property owners.
• An apartment project was not approved because people were concerned with the location; and with growth in general.
• The school construction solution was put forward by a citizen committee based on ideas from both the committee and from the general public.

All of these outcomes happened in the last two months. What do they have in common? There was significant feedback from informed and dedicated people who emailed the Council and attended public meetings to provide their opinions, ideas and solutions. It was rewarding to watch this input inform the decision making of the Councilors. The public truly made a difference.

So as you sit on the beach, or kayak through the marsh, please take a minute to celebrate our wonderful town; and contemplate all the ways we can work together to achieve positive outcomes for Scarborough. Enjoy your Summer!

I sincerely appreciate the opportunity to serve on the Council. Please feel free to contact me at lcain@scarboroughmaine.org.  

Scarborough Town Council

April Sither (Chair) • Jonathan Anderson (Vice Chair) • Larry Cain • Scott Doherty • Bill Donovan • Cory Fellows • Karin Shupe

Town Council meets the first and third Wednesday of each month (third Wednesday only in July and August). Visit our Town Calendar for links to attend and view agendas.

Scarborough Land Trust Upcoming Programs

Pollinator Walk

Sunday, August 3, 1:00-2:30pm

Broadturn Farm, 4 Hanson Road

Learn More

Join Deborah Perkins, “The Personal Ecologist” and owner of First Light Wildlife Habitats, on a Pollinator Walk around Broadturn Farm. Meet our native pollinators out in their native habitat as we observe, identify, and understand these fascinating insects. Learn the importance of pollinators and the habitats they prefer. Rain date: August 10th

Summer Learning at Scarborough Public Library

Programs for Kids

Dog Days of Summer Drop-In Program

Various dates and times

Learn More

Celebrate National Dog Month with us all August long during our Dog Days of Summer! Every week, meet real therapy dogs and their amazing human partners—no sign-up needed, just drop in and say hello! 🐶 We’ll have dog-themed crafts, games, and activities out all month—perfect for paws-itively fun, drop-in anytime visits. We'll end the month with a Dog Man Party & a showing of the movie (August 29)!

Multicultural Book Talk Bingo

Wednesday, August 6, 2:00-3:00pm

Register

Instead of numbers, we'll be looking for TITLES on our Bingo Cards! Learn about new-to-you Middle Grade books (generally for average age 8-11) and win prizes!

Programs for Adults

Let's Make Yogurt!

Thursday, August 7, 10:30am-12:30pm

Register (11 seats available)

Unlock the secrets of delicious, homemade yogurt guided by UMaine Cooperative Extension Master Food Preserver Volunteer Claire Schreiber. Yogurt is a great introduction into the world of fermentation! Learn about the fermentation process and how to make your own dairy yogurt from scratch. This session will cover all the essential steps from finding your milk to storing your yogurt, ensuring you can go home and create your own homemade fermented delight without needing to purchase expensive equipment.

Finding Your Personal Style

Thursday, August 14, 2:00-3:00pm

Register

Learn how to make choices—clothing, hairstyle, cosmetics, accessories—to develop your personal style! We are all born with a unique body and personality like no one else. When you learn to present both of these to your best advantage, you have your style. Julie Cunningham Color is a consultant based color and image consulting company established in 1996 to serve the needs of the typical busy, active woman.