Summer is a time for vacations, new beginnings, and mixing up the routine. We are keeping active with several outdoor programs as we continue through Parks & Rec month! Concerts in the Park and our annual photo contest are other fun ways to enjoy Scarborough. Inside, we're gearing up for tonight's council meeting and other Town work like our Climate Action Plan and public safety outreach. There are many ways to get involved—email or call councilors, check the online Town Calendar for upcoming meetings, and check our website homepage for the latest updates on new programs.

Make the most of Scarborough this weekend... Visit one of our incredible beaches, walk a Land Trust trail (upcoming events), stop by the Farmers Market, or have a picnic at one of our Town parks.

Free Programs for Parks and Rec Month

Join us and the National Recreation and Park Association as we celebrate and recognize the people, spaces, and programs that create a sense of belonging in our community. We're offering a variety of active programs throughout the month like yoga with Scarborough Yoga, martial arts with Ji-Beh Martial Arts, beginner weightlifting with Iron Legion, and free dance classes.

For 40 years, communities across the country have celebrated Park and Recreation Month in July to promote building strong, vibrant and resilient communities through the power of parks and recreation. This year’s theme, “The Power of”, celebrates the many ways parks and recreation—and the people who make it all possible—reveal the power of what connects us.

The Fall Programs Brochure comes out on August 1, and save the date for Summerfest on Friday, August 21st!

Turf & Track Project is Complete

Scarborough Public Schools Update

We are pleased to announce that the track and turf project is now complete! Thank you for your patience and understanding as we worked through several challenges to bring this long-term project to completion.

Originally approved by voters in November 2021, the project was completed in multiple phases over several years. The first phase included the replacement of the turf in 2022. The planned track replacement was subsequently delayed while potential locations were considered for a new K–3 school, with the athletic field serving as one possible site. Once that location was ruled out, planning resumed for the track replacement. Construction of the new track was completed in two stages, with the largest part of the work taking place during Summer 2025 and the remaining work through June.

We appreciate the community's support throughout this process and are excited to see students, athletes, families, and community members enjoy this outstanding facility for years to come. We believe this investment will serve Scarborough well for many years, providing a first-class venue for recreation, competition, and related events. Thank you again for your continued support.

July 15: Town Council Meeting Tonight

The Town Council will have their July meeting tonight, Wednesday, July 15th. It begins with a workshop at 5:30pm and regular meeting at 7:00pm. In the summer months, the Town Council meets only once per month in July and August on the third Wednesday.

Workshop, 5:30-7:00pm

View Agenda

Complete Streets and Traffic Calming Guidance Manual (45 minutes): The Town of Scarborough has been working with a consultant to develop a Complete Streets and Traffic Calming Guidance Manual, now in its draft form and ready for Council review. The goal of the manual is to develop a consistent framework and design guidance for the implementation of complete-streets designs that promote safety for all modes of transportation. The presentation will review the defined street types and traffic calming tools for each.

Scarborough Wood Bank (45 minutes): The Town Council will learn more about an external steering committee that is working to develop a Scarborough Wood Bank. The community firewood bank would be used to provide firewood at little or no cost to Scarborough households in need that rely on wood heat. The proposed location is Town-owned property at 40 Holmes Road, currently used by Public Works, but is subject to Council approval and final agreement.

Regular Meeting, 7:00pm

View Agenda

The meeting includes a quarterly financial update from the Finance Director, a public hearing on the FY2027 Rate of Growth permit allocations, and consideration of funding to help preserve 46 acres of conservation land at 255 Payne Road (known as the Salamander Forest Preserve). The Council will also consider several business license applications and adopt the FY2027 School Budget Resolution required by State statute.

Skate Park Plans Underway & Pickleball Coming Soon

The site of the former skate park, which will be rebuilt on the school campus, is the new site of expanded pickleball courts in the Memorial Park area. The pickleball court's fencing is now installed and the final foundation work will be completed this week. Court surfacing will follow this, and it is anticipated to be open for use in the next 2-3 weeks—stay tuned!

Plans for the new skate park are underway. The Town held a public process which entailed a Planning Board design review, online survey, and a community engagement meeting in late June. A Request for Proposal is being finalized and will be posted in the next two weeks.

The new pickleball courts now have fencing installed. They are expected to be open and ready for use at the end of the month.

Pedestrian Safety Pilot Project Near Little Dolphin Plaza

A temporary pedestrian safety demonstration project was installed last week along Route 1 near Hannaford Drive and Little Dolphin Plaza. This project is part of a regional Vision Zero safety initiative led by the Portland Area Comprehensive Transportation System (PACTS) and Greater Portland Council of Governments (GPCOG). Vision Zero is a holistic strategy aimed to eliminate all traffic fatalities and severe injuries suffered by all road users while increasing safe, healthy, equitable mobility for all. With this in mind, the Scarborough Town Council adopted GPCOG's Vision Zero Action Plan in May 2025.

This project aims to reduce speeds on Route 1 at Little Dolphin Drive and assess enhanced crosswalk treatments at the Hannaford Drive intersection to improve pedestrian safety at two locations with a history of serious crashes and fatalities. The demo is expected to be up until November 15th at the latest, which gives GPCOG time to collect data before the features are removed. A public survey for feedback will go out later this summer. Both the data/monitoring observations and the public opinions collected will help inform the success of the demonstration project. Any next steps will be vetted through the Transportation Committee and Town Council.

This is one of several area projects being administered by GPCOG using Safe Streets for All grant program funding. View all active projects. Questions can be directed to safestreets@gpcog.org.

Now Accepting Entries! Summer Photo Contest

We're now accepting entries into our 4th annual "Summer Outdoors" Photo Contest! 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 some great local prizes, like a gift card to Cafe Luna, El Rayo, or the Dairy Corner.

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

• Beach Days
• Nature & Wildlife
• Golden Hour
• Scenic Views
• Community & Summer 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, and Cafe Luna for the great prizes!

Early "Beach Days" Category Entries...

"Sunset on the Beach" by Maddox Thornton

"Castles are Everywhere" by Judi Ainsworth

Garbage to Garden Trash Collection & Compost Service

July 1st was the transition of Garbage to Garden as the Town's new trash and recycling collection provider (formerly Casella Waste Systems). Thank you for your patience in these first few weeks. We don't anticipate any major delays or challenges, but like any transition, there may be some circumstances that arise. Rest assured, Garbage to Garden prioritizes its customer service and will address any potential delays or other issues within 24-hours. Here are some friendly reminders:

• Trash collection starts early, so please make sure to have your bins out by 7:00am at the latest on your scheduled collection day.
• Curbside compost pickup remains on Wednesdays for now. Any changes to align compost collection with trash day will be announced in advance.

Learn more about Garbage to Garden on their website. Questions? Call their customer service line at (207) 332-0277.

Ways to Compost

Curbside Compost Subscription

Households now have the option for the opt-in service at a cost for a dedicated composting bin for weekly pickup alongside regular trash and recycling collection. Two service levels are available exclusively to Scarborough residents:

• Scarborough Resident Rate Plan: Includes weekly pickup and a 12-gallon bin delivered at the start of service (residents clean their own bin).

• Full-Service Plan: Includes weekly curbside pickup on trash day and a clean bucket swap each week.

Both plans accept all food scraps, including meat, dairy, and cooked foods. Visit the Garbage to Garden website to sign up or learn more, or call (207) 332-0277.

Already a subscriber with Garbage to Garden? Refer a friend and you'll both receive a free month of service! Log in to your My Account page on the Garbage to Garden website and find your unique referral link to get started.

Drop-Off Site at Public Works Facility

Bins are available at Scarborough Public Works, 20 Washington Ave, for residents to dispose of household compost food scraps at no cost.

What's Next: Radio Communications Upgrade Approved in FY27 Budget

Later this summer the Town Council will vote on whether to include a significant town-wide radio investment on a referendum ballot in the November 2026 election. They approved it in the FY2027 budget, but it would also need voter approval. A first reading will be held in the August 19th council meeting, and a second reading on September 2nd.

Project Background & Need

The Town of Scarborough is exploring a significant municipal two-way radio communications system upgrade for its public safety, public service, and school departments in Scarborough and Old Orchard Beach. The issues were fully identified in a January 2025 study of the infrastructure and needs assessment of the two-way communications system in both towns, completed by an external consultant.

Many key components of the existing radio infrastructure have reached or exceeded their expected service life and are no longer supported by the manufacturers to repair or replace when failures occur. This presents a significant risk to system performance, increasing the potential for communication outages that could impact public safety operations.

Project Impact

Reliable communications are a critical part of emergency response. A system upgrade would address major coverage gaps and the safety risks this brings. Another goal of a system upgrade is to streamline separate radio systems into a cohesive network. Currently, a variety of radio systems are used across both towns by Police, Fire, EMS, Public Works, Schools, Community Services, Recreation, Lifeguards, the Sanitary District, and Wastewater. Having them all on one system would improve interoperability and simplify long-term support.

Short Term Rental Registration Process Now Open

The new Short Term Rental Registration Ordinance, approved by the Town Council on May 20, requires short term rental operators to register with the Town by December 31, 2026 and annually thereafter. A safety inspection is also required with new registrations. 

Registration is now open and can be accessed from our website.

Please reach out to Autumn Speer at aspeer@scarboroughmaine.org with any questions.

Road Work Around Town

Payne & Mussey Road

After ongoing preparation of the intersection since last fall, new traffic lights have been installed at the intersection of Payne and Mussey Road and were activated this morning. This area was identified by residents as a dangerous intersection as part of our Townwide Transportation Assessment (completed in 2025) and has been a high crash location selected for corrective action.

Payne & Gorham Road Intersection

Pavement marking installation will occur on Sunday night 7/19 and be completed on Monday night 7/20. This concludes ongoing site work since late May, which included curbing, paving, and striping.

Holmes Road & Payne Road

Work associated with the FedEx offsite location is being conducted beginning next week on Sunday night, 7/19. It includes widening and restriping the end of Holmes Road (near Payne Road), and widening on Payne Road at the intersection with Holmes/Scarborough Downs Road. Paving will occur on or around Sunday, 7/26.

New pavement on Gorham Road, with marking to occur on Sunday and Monday night.

Make Way for Plovers & Terns

Summer is officially in full swing! It’s a good reminder that our beaches are busy with people, plovers, and least terns. 

Scarborough’s earliest plover chicks are already learning to fly, but there are still nests hatching and young chicks scurrying between the dune and water to find food. Our least tern colonies on Ferry/Western have started to hatch, and another tern colony on Higgins Beach is just getting started, with new nests found last week. 

Photo by Missy Mans

Beach Reminders to Protect Shorebirds

As we head into the busy summer season, remember that beach activity can be harmful to plovers and other shorebirds birds. Please follow these general rules when enjoying the beach:

• Dogs on the beach (May 15 – Labor Day): 

• Dawn – 9:00 am: Allowed off-leash (under voice control) in non-restricted areas 
• 9:00 am – 5:00 pm: No dogs allowed on Scarborough’s beaches
• 5:00 pm – Dusk: Dogs allowed on-leash in non-restricted areas (exception is on Pine Point, where dogs are allowed on-leash in the restricted area)
• Dusk – Dawn: No dogs allowed on Scarborough’s beaches
• Observe the restricted area on Scarborough’s beaches (April 1 – Labor Day)
• Keep dogs at least 200-feet away from stake and twine areas and nests

• No kite flying, kite surfing, parasailing, or drone flying within 650 feet of nesting plovers/terns

• Fireworks are not allowed on any beach in Scarborough 

• Take all trash with you when leaving the beach

• Fill in all holes dug on the beach

• Play beach games, run, and bike on areas of the beach away from nests and chicks

Thank you to our diligent volunteer monitors who visit our beaches to educate residents and visitors about the plovers and our local ordinances, and many thanks to residents and visitors for following the beach rules that are in place to protect these endangered birds.

July 28: Greater Portland Metro Community Meeting

Metro is expanding to Scarborough in October 2026! They will be hosting a public informational meeting on Tuesday, July 28 at the Scarborough Public Safety Building (275 Route 1) at 6:30pm. Metro staff will present information on the upcoming service and answer questions.

Background on New Public Transit Services

The service in Scarborough is expected to have both a fixed-route and an on-demand component. The fixed-route service is expected to serve destinations along Route 1 in Scarborough run to Portland via the Veteran’s Bridge Main Street in South Portland. Specific details on the exact route alignment and timetable are still being finalized.

Additionally, Metro plans to launch an on-demand “microtransit” service in Scarborough and South Portland that will help connect residents to fixed-route transit routes as well as destinations that are outside of Metro’s fixed-route network. More information on microtransit can be found at www.gpmetro.org/connect.

Climate Action Plan: Polls, Events, Giveaways, Oh My!

Work on Sustaining Scarborough, the Town's climate action plan, continues all summer, with plenty of ways for the community to help shape it. Over the coming weeks, you'll have several chances to weigh in on topics ranging from efficient homes and vehicles to recycling and storm preparedness.

Take a Quick Poll

Visit SustainingScarborough.org to give us feedback through our quick polls on energy use, electric vehicles, and extreme weather. When we say quick, we mean it — each poll takes just a couple of minutes. Everyone who completes the polls will have the chance to be entered into a drawing to win a $50 Hannaford gift card. 

Catch Us Outside

Look for the Sustaining Scarborough table at your favorite events this summer. We’ll be at Concerts in the Park on Thursday evenings throughout July and at Summerfest on August 21. Plus, we’re partnering with Scarborough Public Library on lots of upcoming sustainability-focused events, including:

• July 18 – Junk in the Trunk free yard sale 

• August 18 – Repair Café 

• August 26 – Kids’ clothing swap

• September 26 – Repair Café

• October 17 – Adult and teen clothing swap 

We’ll have information, activities, and giveaways at all of these events, so come say hi!

We’ve already connected with community members at Concerts in the Park and the Library’s first Junk in the Trunk event, and we look forward to seeing many more of you at these events in the coming weeks.

One Year Later, Eastern Trail "Gap" Nearly Complete

More than a year ahead of its construction schedule estimate, the 1.6-mile “Close the Gap” section of the Eastern Trail is anticipated to open to the public in August. The trail segment connects Wainwright Sports Complex in South Portland to the Nonesuch River crossing (off Eastern Road extension) in Scarborough and includes two new bridges. Construction on the Close the Gap project began in June 2025. The trail remains closed at this time as final components are completed—stay tuned for more information on the official opening next month.

New paved segment at Wainwright Sports Complex in South Portland

July 16: Stolen Mojo🎶

Only a few more summer concerts left for the 2026 season! Concerts are held at Memorial Park on Thursday nights through July, thanks to Scarborough Community Chamber of Commerce. All concerts begin at 6:30pm and feature food trucks for your dinner/snack needs.

Upcoming

July 16: Stolen Mojo

July 23: Don Campbell

July 30: Under the Covers

For more details about concerts, frequently asked questions, or to inquire about concert sponsorships or chamber membership, please visit the Chamber of Commerce website, or email chamber@portlandregion.com.

Traffic Flow Reminders

• A portion of Durant Drive, from the Sawyer Road entrance, will be closed during concerts to accommodate food trucks and provide additional safe pedestrian space.

• Concert parking will continue to be available in the High School parking lots, with vehicle access from Municipal Drive.

• Shuttle service between the parking lots and Memorial Park will also continue.

• Limited handicap parking remains available within the park; however, access must be made via the upper end of Durant Drive rather than Sawyer Road.  

August 4: National Night Out Free Event!

Council Corner: Why I Love Calling Scarborough Home

By Michelle Hayes, 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.

The only thing better than "Summer in Maine" is summer in Scarborough, Maine! We can take the beauty of our Town for granted, as it's part of our daily landscape. A recent experience caused me to pause and reflect on the uniqueness of our Town. I was walking the Eastern Trail when a family of four biked by. They stopped on the bridge to take in the views of the marsh, kayakers, swimmers, folks fishing, and people basking in the sunshine. The mom asked me to take their picture and asked if I lived nearby. When I smiled and responded yes, she lamented how lucky we were, how beautiful Scarborough is and how nice everyone had been during their first visit to Maine. My chance interaction with summer visitors reinforced my gratitude for selecting Scarborough as my home in 1993.

Speaking of the Eastern Trail, I'm sure many of you have observed the installation of a safety crossing on Pleasant Hill Road. Construction is nearing completion on the 1.6-mile "Close the Gap" segment of the Eastern Trail connecting Scarborough and South Portland. The ET is a 65-mile off-road path between Kittery and South Portland and a tremendous natural resource for Southern Maine. Gratitude to Eastern Trail founder, John Andrews, and a local group of outdoor conservation enthusiasts for their 1997 vision in creating this treasure for future generations.

Maine's primary election was held on June 9 and the entrance to Scarborough High School continued its tradition of being a popular spot for local and statewide candidates to greet Scarborough voters. The Town Council hosted a table for the day and we fielded a myriad of questions on topics including data centers, traffic, taxes, growth, communication, and how to run for Town Council. Thank you for stopping by and sharing your thoughts, opinions, and recommendations for moving Scarborough forward. It was nice to meet new people and catch up with old friends. A big thank you to our Town Clerk, Kristen Barth, and her team for the smooth administration of our election day. 

Data Centers continue to be a major topic of discussion with resident feedback being resoundingly negative. The Council passed a six-month emergency moratorium on data centers in June. Governor Mills has convened a 17-member Advisory Council to evaluate a statewide approach to data centers, and the meetings are open to the public. You can follow the Maine Data Center Advisory Council's progress by visiting the official Maine Department of Energy Resources webpage. Stay tuned and informed!

The Town Council continues to focus on our goal of increased public outreach, engagement, and transparency. Many of you have participated in one of our 20 "Conversations with Councilors" sessions. The positive feedback we received led the Council Communications Committee to launch the concept of a group of Community Communication Ambassadors. This diverse group of Scarborough residents representing different perspectives, experiences, and neighborhoods, met and shared their thoughts on how we can communicate and engage more effectively as a Town. The two-hour meeting in June generated numerous ideas that will assist the Town in enhancing our communications efforts. Everyone agreed that the loss of the Leader has created a challenge in getting timely information to residents. If you are interested in being part of our ongoing efforts to improve communications in Scarborough, please reach out to us at towncouncil@scarboroughmaine.org or join a future Council Communications Committee meeting.

The Town Council has three seats open for the November 3rd election. In my 8 months on the Council, I've been impressed with the level of citizen engagement and the passion and knowledge from the folks who show up and speak or send us emails. If you're considering a run for office, please reach out to anyone on the Council with your questions. You can pull nomination papers at Town Hall beginning on August 5th with a return deadline of September 2nd. Personally, I've found my first year to be a terrific experience and I'm happy to discuss that with you. You can reach me directly at mhayes@scarboroughmaine.org.

Summer is fleeting and I want to highlight a few community opportunities we can all enjoy. Concerts in the Park is a wonderful Thursday evening summer tradition set in the bucolic Memorial Park. Join in on good music, dancing, food trucks, and a terrific evening with your neighbors aged 2-92. For you shutterbugs in town, there's no better place to put your photography skills to work than the breathtaking Scarborough outdoors. The Town's photo contest is the perfect showcase for your talents. Submissions are ongoing, and contest winners will be announced in September. 

Lastly, if you haven't visited the Sunday morning Farmers' Market (9:00am-1:00pm) at Town Hall, I highly recommend you attend. Grab a cup of fresh roasted Higgins Beach Giuseppe's coffee from their mobile trailer and fill your bags with fresh produce, meats and cheeses, honey, fresh bakery goods, jams, and artisan crafts. I'll see you there!

Carpe Diem!

Scarborough Town Council

Cory Fellows (Chair) • Larry Cain (Vice Chair) • Jonathan Anderson • Scott Doherty • Bill Donovan • Michelle Hayes • 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.

July 25: 21st Annual Lawn & Garden Tour

Come walk through a pesticide-free garden in Scarborough! The Lawn & Garden Tour at the Woodin house has become an annual tradition for garden enthusiasts to admire the pollinator-friendly property. Now in its 21st year, the open tour is scheduled for Saturday, July 25th from 10:00am to 3:00pm located at 34 Clearwater Drive in Scarborough. Stop by and feel empowered to create your own sanctuary.

The Town of Scarborough recognizes that the use of pesticides may have profound effects upon native plants, surface water and ground water, as well as unintended effects upon people, birds and other animals in the vicinity of treated areas. The Town passed a Pest Management Policy in 2011 to greatly reduce exposure to pesticides on Scarborough parks, playgrounds and sports fields, and to encourage reduction and elimination of pesticide use on private property

Upcoming Programs at Scarborough Public Library

Kids Programs

Play Me a Story with Portland Stage

Wednesday, July 15, 4:00-5:15pm

Actors perform a dramatic reading of children's literature followed by actively engaging students in workshops using their bodies, voices, and imaginations to build understanding of the text while bringing the stories and characters to life. Ages 4-10. Registration required. 

Little Dragons Dungeons & Dragons Adventure

Friday, July 17, 12:30-3:00pm

Spend an afternoon as a brave adventurer for Dungeons & Dragons one-shot games (where the story begins and ends on the same day). Players work together to solve riddles, confront danger, and defeat evildoers in a fantasy realm of magic and monsters. No prior experience playing D&D is necessary, but seasoned players are certainly welcome and are encouraged to help their tablemates. Ages 8-10. Registration required. 

T-Rex Tea Party

Tuesday, July 21, 10:00-11:00am

Stomp, stretch, and sip your way through a prehistoric adventure! Join us for a dino-mite yoga party where little dinosaurs will roar, balance, wiggle, and move through fun dinosaur-themed poses. After, we'll have a T-Rex tea party complete with imagination, friendship, and plenty of fun. Bring a mat if you have one—if not, we’ll have some to borrow. Ages 3-6. Registration required. 

Craft Chaos: Book Bling

Wednesday, July 22, 5:00-7:00pm

Give your favorite read a glow-up! Join us to decorate book covers with rhinestone gems and create your own sparkly masterpiece. Bring a book from home or choose one of ours to bedazzle and keep! We’ll have pizza, snacks, music, and plenty of supplies for maximum sparkle. All supplies provided. Ages 13+. Registration required. 

Adult Programs

Junk in the Trunk: Free Yard Sale

Saturday, July 18, 9:00am-12:00pm

It's like a combination of a swap shop and a free yard sale! Registration is full for a free parking space to load your trunk with items to give away. But, if you're a bargain hunter, feel free to stop by and take home a great haul, no signing up required! Co-sponsored by Sustaining Scarborough and Project GRACE.

American Unfiltered Film Screening

Tuesday, July 21, 6:30pm-8:00pm

Register

Wanting to understand a fractured country with a rancorous election underway during a wave of gun violence, two immigrant filmmakers, one from Panama and the other from Russia, journey across the United States revealing an unfiltered, unflinching portrait of America. The filmmakers traveled for nine months in a Mini-Cooper listening to people and recording their stories about what it’s like to live in America today. America Unfiltered draws from a series of raw and emotional encounters on topics ranging from politics and gun control to race and immigration.

French Discussion Group

Thursday, July 23, 5:30pm-6:30pm

Interested in French conversation? Join other French speakers every fourth Thursday for casual conversation. Beginners and experienced speakers are all welcome.

Queer Theory Lite

Wednesday, July 29, 6:00pm-7:00pm

Register

A guided discussion series exploring queer theory through lived experience, race, power, and community knowledge, meeting on the last Wednesday of every month. The series introduces foundational queer and Black feminist texts in an accessible, discussion-first format. Readings are excerpt-based and designed to spark conversation rather than require academic background. Prioritizes lived experience, community wisdom, and practical reflection over jargon or gatekeeping.