Parks Commission
Regular MeetingPortland, ME · September 4, 2025
Minutes
City of Portland | Parks, Recreation and Facilities Management
Ethan Hipple, Director
Alex Marshall, Director of Parks
Parks Commission September 4, 2025 Meeting Minutes
This meeting was recorded and is available to watch on the Agendas and Meetings Portal here:
https://portlandme.portal.civicclerk.com/event/7492/media
Please note: Audio technical issues are resolved at timestamp 11.23.
Present Commission Members: Alexis Lopez Del Vecchio, Ashley Burdick, Beth Rabbitt, Donna
Gartland, Elizabeth Pagan, Griffin Bourassa, Jaime Parker, John Clark, Marie Gray, Robert Foster,
Sarah Michniewicz (City Councilor), William Elting
Not Present: David Little
Staff: Alex Marshall Parks Director, Jessica Teesdale Senior Executive Assistant
Call to Order: B. Rabbit called the meeting to order at 5:04 pm
General Citizen Comment Period in person: none
Agenda Items
Acceptance of Meeting Minutes May 1, 2025: Motion to accept meeting minutes: The motion was
made by J. Parker and seconded by M. Gray. Motion passed 11-0
New Business
Back Cove Festival Presentation: Andy Downs provided an overview of the festival agreement
and the Department's recommendation to support the plans to address the issues and
concerns that arose during the 2025 festival. Communication between the organizers and
the City was open and positive. Next steps would be for the Parks Commission to make the
recommendation to Cthe ity Council. Representatives of the promoter were present to help
answer questions from the commission. Topics covered:
● Proximity and impact of the assisted living facility
● Permitting review process
● Cost analysis for city staff
● Ride share
● Potential for a community survey
● Tickets for adjacent neighbors
● Park closure to all
212 Canco Road, Suite A, Portland, Maine 04103 | parkscommission@portlandmaine.gov
● Trail improvements and use statistics
● Traffic and Transportation
● Responsiveness of festival organizers
● Parking and accessibility
● Signage
● City partnership
● Community communication
● Security
● Noise complaints and accountability
B. Rabbit will pull all of the commission notes into a letter of recommendation
Public Comment provided: Devon Green of Frenald Street, and Jeff Shaw, director of the Maine
Academy of Modern Music
FY27 Capital Improvement Projects Overview: Alex Marshall provides the overview and answers
questions about the CIP process and the projects on the list.
● Deering Oaks lighting
● Fitzpatrick track resurfacing and fencing
● Fore City Cemetery Erosion Mitigation
● Community garden raised beds
● Court resurfacing
● Deering Oaks courts crack mill and overlay
● Deering Oaks tennis court, adjacent road, and sidewalk
● Eastern Prom Cutter Street design
● Fencing
○ Eastern Prom trail
○ Back Cove trail
○ The Riverside Recycling Trail connects Riverton Trolley Park and the
Riverside Trail.
○ North Deering Park
○ Naysons Corner Park
● Fort Gorges preservation and wharf reconstruction
● Lincoln Park fence
● Portland Harbor Common Phase II grant matching
● Western Prom Valley St. retaining wall
● East End Playground replacement
● Annual playground element repairs and replacement
● Back Cove stabilization and guard rail
Old Business
Committee Report-October meeting will be a workshop.
212 Canco Road, Suite A, Portland, Maine 04103 | parkscommission@portlandmaine.gov
Communications and Updates-Tabled
Parks Division Report-Tabled
Land Bank Commission Report-Tabled
Commissioner requests for Agenda Items
● Allocation of funds received from the music festival agreement
● Bayside Midtown parcel recommendation
● Interpretive signage
● Leadership nominations
● Outreach discussion
Adjournment
212 Canco Road, Suite A, Portland, Maine 04103 | parkscommission@portlandmaine.gov
Agenda
City of Portland
Parks Commission Agenda
The mission of the Portland Parks Commission is to advocate for the enhancement and stewardship
of our parks and open spaces. Review and propose projects that impact parks and open spaces and
recommend action. Foster collaboration among park users and the City. Promotes public access
and enjoyment. Advocate for public and private funding for parks and open spaces. Enjoy Portland
for life.
Commission Members:
Alexis Lopez Del Vecchio, Ashley Burdick, Beth Rabbitt, Donna Gartland, David Little, Elizabeth Pagan,
Griffin Bourassa, Jaime Parker, John Clark, Marie Gray, Robert Foster, Sarah Michniewicz (City Councilor),
William Elting.
City Staff:
Alex Marshall (Parks Director), Jen DeRice (Parks Assistant Director), Jessica Teesdale (PRF Sr. Executive
Assistant)
September 4, 2025 at 5:00 PM
On the first Thursday of the month at 5:00 pm, the Portland Parks Commission will hold a meeting at Parks,
Recreation, and Facilities, 212 Canco Rd. Suite A conference room. The Parks Commission will conduct this meeting in
person. Public comments may only be submitted in person or in writing. To submit written public comment on an
agenda item, email parkscommission@portlandmaine.gov. Submissions must be received by 12:00 pm the day before the
Parks Commission meeting to guarantee their inclusion in the agenda packet. All submissions must include the person's
name and legal address. To help ensure your comment is submitted for the correct item, please include the name of the
agenda item (see below).
To view this meeting, please visit the Livestream link: https://portlandme.portal.civicclerk.com/event/7492/media
I. Call to Order
II. General Citizen Comment Period
a. Public Comment emails June 4, 2025 through September 4, 2025
III. Agenda Items
a. Acceptance of Meeting Minutes: May 1, 2025
b. New Business
i. Back Cove Festival Presentation
ii. FY27 Capital Improvement Projects Overview
c. Old Business
i. Committee Reports
d. Communications and Updates
i. Parks Division Report
ii. Land Bank Commission Report
e. Commissioner requests for Agenda Items
IV. Adjournment
Packet
City of Portland
Parks Commission Agenda
The mission of the Portland Parks Commission is to advocate for the enhancement and stewardship
of our parks and open spaces. Review and propose projects that impact parks and open spaces and
recommend action. Foster collaboration among park users and the City. Promotes public access
and enjoyment. Advocate for public and private funding for parks and open spaces. Enjoy Portland
for life.
Commission Members:
Alexis Lopez Del Vecchio, Ashley Burdick, Beth Rabbitt, Donna Gartland, David Little, Elizabeth Pagan,
Griffin Bourassa, Jaime Parker, John Clark, Marie Gray, Robert Foster, Sarah Michniewicz (City Councilor),
William Elting.
City Staff:
Alex Marshall (Parks Director), Jen DeRice (Parks Assistant Director), Jessica Teesdale (PRF Sr. Executive
Assistant)
September 4, 2025 at 5:00 PM
On the first Thursday of the month at 5:00 pm, the Portland Parks Commission will hold a meeting at Parks,
Recreation, and Facilities, 212 Canco Rd. Suite A conference room. The Parks Commission will conduct this meeting in
person. Public comments may only be submitted in person or in writing. To submit written public comment on an
agenda item, email parkscommission@portlandmaine.gov. Submissions must be received by 12:00 pm the day before the
Parks Commission meeting to guarantee their inclusion in the agenda packet. All submissions must include the person's
name and legal address. To help ensure your comment is submitted for the correct item, please include the name of the
agenda item (see below).
To view this meeting, please visit the Livestream link: https://portlandme.portal.civicclerk.com/event/7492/media
I. Call to Order
II. General Citizen Comment Period
a. Public Comment emails June 4, 2025 through September 4, 2025
III. Agenda Items
a. Acceptance of Meeting Minutes: May 1, 2025
b. New Business
i. Back Cove Festival Presentation
ii. FY27 Capital Improvement Projects Overview
c. Old Business
i. Committee Reports
d. Communications and Updates
i. Parks Division Report
ii. Land Bank Commission Report
e. Commissioner requests for Agenda Items
IV. Adjournment
Page 1
City of Portland Mail - Fwd: Back Cove Music Festival
Back Cove Music Festival
1 message
Wed, Sep 3, 2025 at 1:31 PM
From: Clare Bates Congdon <Unknown>
Date: Wednesday, September 3, 2025 at 11:14:34 AM UTC-4
Subject: Back Cove Music Festival
To: parksco...@portlandmaine.gov <Unknown>
To the members of the Parks Commission,
As a neighbor of Payson Park, I am writing with some concerns about
the Back Cove Music Festival. I am largely in support of this event,
but have two main points:
1. Insufficient communication
2. Noise
------------------------------------------------------------
1. Insufficient communication
I had attended the Zoom meetings for the neighborhood, and in
particular the one leading up to the event. We were told that we would
be issued resident and visitor passes and even that they would be
dropped off at our house. It's fine that that degree of service didn't
happen, but there was NO communication about what was happening
instead or how we would get in and out of our closed off street. I had
to go looking for info in the days leading up to the event. Relatedly,
there was insufficient information about which streets would be closed
and how we would be able to get in and out of our neighborhood. I
don't understand why the stretch of Catafalque between Fernald and
Ocean needed to be closed, as that is the safest egress from our
neighborhood; maybe just to prevent scofflaws from going the wrong way
on the one-way street and sneaking in. (There is probably a good
reason; I just feel that it should have been communicated.)
There has also been a lack of sufficient communication about the
post-event activities, such as what you are in the process of right
now. We were told that there would be another Zoom meeting after the
event, for example, and that did not happen. And we were given only 24
hours to respond to the proposed contract in advance of your meeting
on 9/4/2025.
------------------------------------------------------------
2. Noise
It is ludicrous to me that the event is responsible for monitoring its
own noise. While I enjoyed being able to hear most of the music from
my yard (and actually wished some acts were louder, so that I could
hear them better), it's very clear to me that organizers knowingly
cheated for Jack White. In advance of the event, there were sound
checks that literally shook my house. While Lucy Dacus was playing,
there were several loud guitar strums that were ridiculously loud and
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9/3/25, 1:31 PM City of Portland Mail - Fwd: Back Cove Music Festival
shook the house. I didn't understand what it was at the time, but now
understand that that was testing the audio for Jack White (also:
weirdly rude to do that during Lucy Dacus's set). Jack White's set was
considerably louder that any of the other bands, and late on a Sunday
night. Again, it is clear to me that event organizers planned to blast
the music for Jack White's set; this was not an accident. How do we
prevent this sort of thing from happening in the future? Citizens
lodging noise complaints is not going to do it. It seems to me that an
appropriate process would enable immediate adjustment (e.g., after
Jack White's first song) and violation would carry far stiffer
penalties than $1000.
------------------------------------------------------------
Additionally, though I did not notice any major damage to the park,
it's important to keep in mind that this has been an unusually dry
summer. Had there been a major rain storm immediately preceding or
during the event, the effects would have been quite different. This
includes general trampling in areas where the soil is natively often
quite moist, the on-grass parking that was allowed, and the potential
total destruction of the pollinator garden where the bikes were
parked.
Thank you to the Parks Commission for allowing public comment and
taking neighbor's concerns into consideration.
Sincerely,
Clare Congdon
18 Sylvia Road
Portland
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9/3/25, 1:28 PM City of Portland Mail - Fwd: Back Cove Festival at Payson Park
Back Cove Festival at Payson Park
1 message
Tue, Sep 2, 2025 at 8:45 AM
From: Susan Anspacher <susanmtns@gmail.com>
Date: Tue, Sep 2, 2025 at 5:44 AM
Subject: Back Cove Festival at Payson Park
To: Mark Dion <mdion@portlandmaine.gov>, <pali@portlandmaine.gov>, <afournier@portlandmaine.gov>,
<ksykes@portlandmaine.gov>, <rphillips@portlandmaine.gov>, <abullett@portlandmaine.gov>,
<smichniewicz@portlandmaine.gov>, <bgrant@portlandmaine.gov>, <wpelletier@portlandmaine.gov>,
<parkscommission@portlandmaine.gov>
Do we really want our parks, the ones taxpayers contribute to, to be used for a
corporation's money making operation? While it does appear that this corporation did a
decent job cleaning up and keeping most of the traffic off Washington Avenue and
other
streets, our residential area was not designed for this.
This is part of a bigger problem. Council has allowed polluting cruise ships (the data is
overwhelmingly against them) and now allows an enormous concert in a residential
area. Once again, the taxpayers are subjected to more public health insults. The noise
from this concert was offensive. The increase in traffic and the environmental pollution
from this is unnecessary. A high carbon footprint.
Why is this commercial venture allowed to raise the decibel level when many are trying
to enjoy the peace and tranquility of our waters? Nature. Do we really want alcohol
bought and sold in our parks? This has set a terrible precedent which must be
terminated. Let's be clear, this concert was a venture for people with money.
Exorbitant ticket prices, food and alcohol. Is this what our city is becoming? I had
hoped it would be a place where all are welcomed - not only the rich.
These commercial ventures have no place in a residential community.
Susan Anspacher
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9/3/25, 1:27 PM City of Portland Mail - Back Cove festival
Back Cove festival
1 message
Sun, Aug 31, 2025 at 6:29
'Anne Rodney' via Parks Commission <parkscommission@portlandmaine.gov>
PM
Reply-To: barodney@icloud.com
To: parkscommission@portlandmaine.gov
Sent from my iPhone. My name is Anne Rodney and I live at west kidder st in Portland , me . I’ve heard the concert is
requesting more of the same thing they had , I can’t believe that the city hall can do that to people who live so close to
the park , try to do it in their backyard and probably can’t so they come to Maine . I would hope that you would agree to
not letting them do that every year !!
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9/3/25, 1:29 PM City of Portland Mail - Back cove festival
Back cove festival
1 message
Tue, Sep 2, 2025 at 8:50
'Julie Bedard' via Parks Commission <parkscommission@portlandmaine.gov>
PM
Reply-To: juliebdrd@yahoo.com
To: parkscommission@portlandmaine.gov
Cc: council@portlandmaine.gov
Resending with proper subject line to ensure it is received for your meeting this Thursday. Thank you.
Sent from Yahoo Mail for iPhone
On Tuesday, September 2, 2025, 8:44 PM, Julie Bedard <juliebdrd@yahoo.com> wrote:
According to the City of Portland Parks Commission Agenda, “the mission of the
Portland Parks Commission is to advocate for the enhancement and stewardship of our
parks and open spaces.” I’m writing as a neighbor to Payson Park, property owner and
tax payer, to ask you to do just that and DENY the use of Payson Park for the Back
Cove Festival (and any for profit business venture for that matter).
Payson Park has been a public park since I can remember. As a publicly free park to
all Maine residents and visitors, it is enjoyed by many, and I thank the Portland parks
department for that and the city. I think it’s important that you understand that I chose
to move to this neighborhood for several reasons. We are a community and we care
for one another….ACTUALLY CARE. We know our neighbors and help our neighbors,
they are not strangers. Several times when storms have caused trees to fall and power
outages occurred, my husband and I have packed up the truck with gas and a
chainsaw and driven around to help our neighbors and city workers by cutting up trees.
THAT is who we are. You may remember that CMP was selling a portion of their land
and the residents of this neighborhood raised money, in their “free” time, and purchased
Canco Woods and then donated it to Portland Trails so that it could continue to
maintain its wild natural beauty and preserve much needed green space in the city.
Those residents are why I moved here and who we are. Additionally, when you look at
me today, you see an able-bodied individual. However, I have been told that a
wheelchair and the loss of function from the waist down is inevitably in my future. So
while I hope for the best, I planned for the worst and wanted to live in a community
where I could still access green space, even if I had to do it on two wheels instead of
two legs. So to see Payson Park, a public park, being inaccessible for 10 days (5 days
prior, 2 days of the concert and 3 days after) and used FOR PROFIT, is not something I
can sit by and watch quietly. Your actions do not represent the needs of this resident.
This park is used by all ages, all abilities, all genders, all races and ethnicities and from
every social class. You can roll through this park any day of the week and see families,
teams playing ball, a tennis court full of people, young men and women shooting hoops
into the twilight hours. There is yoga, dog training, dodgeball, flag football and so many
other sports that this park is used for…for free. I have never seen a park used so well
and creating COMMUNITY. I commend you for creating this, please don’t break what
has been built by many in the community. We use this park in every season and it
should be PROTECTED. I would also be remiss if I did not mention the wildlife that
lives in this community. We have a responsibility as GUESTS here to protect them and
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9/3/25, 1:29 PM City of Portland Mail - Back cove festival
do no harm. Skunks, raccoons, fox, birds of all ranges, even a coyote has been seen in
my backyard, and we need to care for them. This concert and any for profit event, does
all of this harm.
For 10 days, the park was barely used or enjoyed. It was a hazard for drivers and
bicyclists with the fencing trying to exit the park. The concert hours were also
unreasonable. If hardworking tax payers work a full week, they deserve to enjoy the
quiet of their backyard on the weekends. That did not happen. Two full days, and then
back to work with no rest or reprieve. The concert was not attended by 12,000 people
as predicted. I have not heard what the numbers were, but I can attest that if these
numbers are allowed, the park and our neighborhoods will be severely impacted.
I would ask that the city’s actions be focused on preserving it’s green spaces,
maintaining access for all 365 days a year, and supporting a park that brings people
together in community and promotes health and wellness. I do not want to live next to
a concert venue, and others who want to move here will not either. You are also
approving a concert venue next to a children’s park and rehabilitation center! How is
that caring for the people of this city? Do those individuals not deserve city officials that
support their well-being and rest with their actions?
I believe this action would set a precedent that the city should not set and by setting this
precedent, it could mean more for-profit businesses seeking to use this park for profit
only. What I see in this proposal is our city council seeing dollar signs…trying to solve
a budget issue at the expense of this community and park. That is the only reason they
are even considering this proposal. I would ask the city council and city parks
commission to please instead be stewards of the land, preserving green space and
parks for free public access (that tax payers pay for with their tax dollars) and support
community….something which the world we live, including this city, needs more of.
Please do not break this precious gem. Please do not support ANY for profit
businesses closing this park for profit.
Kind Regards,
Julie Grossi
Wellington Rd.
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9/4/25, 10:53 AM City of Portland Mail - Concerns re: Back Cove Festival
Jessica Teesdale <jteesdale@portlandmaine.gov>
Concerns re: Back Cove Festival
4 messages
Payson Park <friendsofpaysonpark@gmail.com> Wed, Sep 3, 2025 at 9:26 PM
Reply-To: friendsofpaysonpark@gmail.com
To: Parks Commission <parkscommission@portlandmaine.gov>
Cc: City Council Email <council@portlandmaine.gov>, Ethan Hipple <ehipple@portlandmaine.gov>, Alex Marshall
<amarshall@portlandmaine.gov>, Andy Downs <andy@portlandmaine.gov>
To the Portland Parks Commission,
On behalf of the Friends of Payson Park, we are writing to share feedback we received from neighbors and park users
regarding the 2024 Back Cove Music & Arts Festival. Many community members reached out to us by text, phone, and
email starting on the day that the fencing arrived—hoping we might have more information and wanting to express their
frustrations with what was happening in their community.
Friends of Payson Park is concerned about the continuation of a multi day festival in the Park and brings to your attention
the impact on this community from the perspective of its residents:
Noise & End Time
Many neighbors reported that the sound levels were very loud—even indoors with windows closed.
Noise was manageable during the daytime, but continuing until 10:00 PM, especially on Sunday night, was
challenging for families with young children, people who had to work early Monday morning, and those sensitive
to noise.
Several neighbors suggested an earlier end time (e.g., 8/9:00 PM) would make the event more compatible with
neighborhood life.
Traffic & Access
Residents were told streets would remain accessible, but several reported not being able to reach their homes
as promised.
Heavy Traffic from shuttle buses concentrated heavily on Fernald Street, running every 3 minutes throughout the
day and evening, despite earlier assurances that offloading would occur from Baxter Boulevard.
Ride share and truck traffic was routed down small residential streets (Fernald and W. Kidder) instead of the
original plan, frustrating residents and closing off the street to their children.
Access rules for neighbors seemed to change throughout the week, creating confusion.
Park Use During Setup
Neighbors noted that fencing went up and access was restricted a full week before the festival, rather than just
in the immediate lead-up.
Park patrons reported being unable to use the playground, basketball and tennis courts, or regular paths due to
fences, festival vehicles, or lost parking.
The handicapped parking area on the Boulevard was fenced off, making playground access difficult
Residents felt this contradicted the repeated public messaging that normal park use would not be disrupted.
Paths & Infrastructure
Concerns were raised about new walking paths installed across condo lawns at the end of Front Street.
Neighbors felt this was unnecessary, harmed property value, and primarily benefited concert logistics rather than
park users.
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9/4/25, 10:53 AM City of Portland Mail - Concerns re: Back Cove Festival
Festival vehicles and golf carts driving throughout the park created a sense that the park had been temporarily
turned into a private venue, rather than remaining a shared public space.
Overall Experience
Neighbors were disappointed by the lack of clear updates from Parks & Rec about what to expect as the festival
moved in. A quick post—like “fencing arrives tomorrow” or “x parking lots will be closed starting today”—would
have made a big difference in setting expectations and avoiding frustration.
Significant frustration was expressed by neighbors at being effectively shut out of their own neighborhood park
for the week of setup and takedown.
We share this feedback so the Parks Commission, City staff, and promoters can better understand the impacts on the
surrounding community.
Thank you for your time,
Friends of Payson Park
Friends of Payson Park
Website friendsofpaysonpark.wixsite.com/paysonpark/
Email friendsofpaysonpark@gmail.com
T
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Page 9
To: Portland Parks Commission, Portland City Council, Mayor Mark Dion, City Manager West.
From: Dale Belanger, 61 Randall Street
I offer this as public comment for the record regarding the Back Cove Festival Presentation to be
discussed at the September 4, 2025 parks commission meeting.
I am committed to the principle we should not be closing off our public taxpayer funded parks
for any length of time.
I reviewed the 22-page contract included in your agenda package. Can these be addressed.
1. Neighborhood parking: Not addressed in the document. What will future events look
like regarding the organizer’s obligation to the surrounding streets. On Randall Street we
saw significant day two increase in traffic and parking issues as the “No Parking and No
Festival Access” red sign at the end of Randall was removed after day one leading to an
increase in traffic and event participants parking along Randall, Front and Ilsley. Can this
be addressed and included in future agreements. Checking once at the beginning of the
festival is not acceptable. They should be required to check on parking and traffic
measures throughout the duration of the festival.
2. Ride Share: By the end of day two festival participants improvised and created ride share
pick up to the corner of Randall and Front until well past 11 PM on a Sunday.
Unacceptable to the neighborhood.
3. Hours: Do not see information regarding the hours of future events. Will they still be 12
– 10PM each day.
4. Road closures. Even if portions remain open it is not acceptable to me as a close
neighbor to the park to alter plans and access to work for the period the park, and as we
learned from the festival, significant portions of Baxter Blvd. closed at times and
durations not discussed or disclosed in detail prior to the issuance of the festival permit.
During planning and discussion, we were told no road closures until the day of. The
fence along Baxter Blvd was placed far enough onto the paved street Baxter became a
one-way street. Can the fence be moved inward of the paved road such that two-way
Page 10
traffic will be accessible until the start. This was 530 PM July 30, Wednesday prior.
5. Noise – What we did not hear we felt. Sound checks started on Friday along with early
sound checks Saturday and Sunday morning and very clearly Sunday 9 AM. This needs to
be addressed in writing. I fully expect you will push back on this as no “formal” noise
complaints were filed including mine as Sheryl who answered the phone was very rudely
clear the festival has a permit and nothing can be done. The media reported 18 calls
were logged for noise concerns. I hope you consider this in your discussions. I will
educate my neighbors, including myself to follow the formal noise complaint procedure.
Further, per the document I do not think the festival organizer should be the sole entity
responsible for monitoring sound levels.
6. Stage placement – Baxter Stage seemed appropriately placed as we experienced
minimal noise and low bass effect during performances. The Longfellow stage was very
loud with significant low bass resonance in the neighborhood which I believe is the
preferred stage for the final performance each day. Can this be switched such that the
final act is on the Baxter stage closest to the BLVD.
Thank you for your time and attention to this important matter.
Regards.
Dale Belanger
Page 11
AMENDED AND RESTATED AGREEMENT BETWEEN
CITY OF PORTLAND AND PORTLAND MUSIC FESTIVAL, LLC
THIS AGREEMENT made this day of ___________, 2025 (the “Effective Date”), by
and between the CITY OF PORTLAND, a body politic and corporate situated in the County of
Cumberland, State of Maine (hereinafter “CITY”) and PORTLAND MUSIC FESTIVAL, LLC
a Delaware corporation, having a place of business at 32 Front Street, Hartford CT 06103
(hereinafter “PORTLAND MUSIC FESTIVAL, LLC”), for the use of Edward Payson Park
(“Payson Park”) for the purpose of conducting a festival.
WHEREAS, on December 16, 2024, the Portland City Council approved an Order
declaring August 2 and August 3, 2025 the Portland Music and Arts Festival at Payson Park which
is attached hereto as Exhibit A (hereinafter “Council Order”) the terms of which are incorporated
herein by reference;
WHEREAS, PORTLAND MUSIC FESTIVAL, LLC is a joint venture between
GoodWorks Entertainment and Shore Sound Entertainment and hereby agrees to assume all of the
obligations set forth in the Council Order;
WHEREAS, on or about July 28, 2025, the parties entered into a written agreement (the
“Original Agreement”) granting PORTLAND MUSIC FESTIVAL, LLC and its officers, agents,
and employees access to Payson Park for the purpose of preparing the Premises (as defined below)
for the Event (as defined below) only during the period from 6:00 a.m. July 27, 2025 to 11:59 p.m.
on August 6, 2025.
WHEREAS, the parties now wish to amend and restate the Original Agreement to grant
PORTLAND MUSIC FESTIVAL, LLC and its officers, agents, and employees access to Payson
1
Page 12
Park for the purpose of preparing the Premises for and operating the Event for another three (3)
year term beginning in the year 2026 and ending in the year 2028, with the parties having the
option to mutually extend the term for another three (3) years thereafter, beginning in the year
2029 and ending in the year 2031, subject to the terms and conditions herein.
WHEREAS, the parties wish to memorialize the responsibilities of both parties and the
terms and conditions by which PORTLAND MUSIC FESTIVAL, LLC is authorized to use
Payson Park.
NOW THEREFORE, for valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which is
hereby acknowledged, the parties agree as follows:
I. DEFINITIONS
1-A. Definitions. As used in this Agreement, the following terms shall be as defined in
this section:
a. Beverage Service shall mean the service of alcoholic beverages.
b. City Manager shall mean the City Manager of the City of Portland and their
designee.
c. Director shall mean the Director of the Public Assembly Facilities Division of
the Parks, Recreation and Facilities Department.
d. Event is intended to refer to an annual “Back Cove Music and Arts Festival”
which includes the activities described on the attached Exhibit B, which is
made a part of this Agreement and is incorporated herein. Event shall also mean
any additional Events approved in writing by the City Manager, which approval
shall be in the sole discretion of the City Manager.
e. Premises includes all of the temporarily fenced-in area of Payson Park where
all festival activity, including Beverage Service, will occur as depicted on the
attached Exhibit C.
II. TERM
1. Term. Unless terminated sooner pursuant to the terms herein, this Agreement shall
commence upon the Effective Date reflected in the opening paragraph and extend through and
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including the third (3rd) anniversary date of the Effective Date (the “Initial Term”). The parties
further agree that, upon their mutual written consent, the term of this Agreement may be extended
for one (1) additional term of three (3) years, beginning on the third (3rd) anniversary date of the
Effective Date and ending on the sixth (6th) anniversary date of the Effective Date (the “Renewal
Term”). The access to Payson Park during the Renewal Term shall be upon the same terms and
conditions provided for herein for the Initial Term, except that there shall be no additional option
to extend the term for another three (3) years, unless the parties otherwise agree to different terms
and conditions in writing.
III. USE OF PAYSON PARK
2. Use of Payson Park. PORTLAND MUSIC FESTIVAL, LLC and its officers,
agents, and employees, will have access to Payson Park during the Initial Term and any Renewal
Term for the purpose of preparing the premises for and operating the 2-day Event, along with
associated set-up and tear-down dates, as detailed in Exhibit B. The specific dates for the Event
during each year of the Initial Term and any Renewal Term shall be mutually agreed upon by the
City and Portland Music Festival, LLC no later than ninety (90) days prior to the commencement
of the Event in each applicable year.
3. City Access to Payson Park. The CITY reserves the right to enter all areas of
Payson Park and Premises at any time for any reason.
4. Condition of Payson Park and Premises. Except as specifically provided below,
PORTLAND MUSIC FESTIVAL, LLC agrees to accept Payson Park and the Premises in its
existing condition at the time of commencement of the term of this Agreement. The CITY shall
have no responsibility whatsoever for site preparation, modification, set-up, removal or security
of event equipment, except as otherwise provided in this Agreement.
5. Alteration of Payson Park. PORTLAND MUSIC FESTIVAL, LLC may not
alter Payson Park in any way without the prior approval of the Director. PORTLAND MUSIC
FESTIVAL, LLC may, however, erect temporary tents, stages, tables, booths, stands, and similar
structures on the Premises under the following conditions:
a. A permit for the structure must first be obtained from the City of Portland
Permitting and Inspections Department;
b. Structures must be anchored by the use of weights/stakes; and
c. Structures may be placed on the Premises no earlier five (5) days before the
Event and must be removed no later than three (3) days after the Event (the
“Removal Date”).
6. Parking. All attendee and vendor parking shall occur outside of Payson Park
unless otherwise approved by CITY staff and shall not unreasonably interfere at any time with
access to Payson Park.
7. Portable Toilets. PORTLAND MUSIC FESTIVAL, LLC shall be responsible
for providing and maintaining a mutually agreed upon number of regular and handicap accessible
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portable toilets no less than the number estimated in the Council Order. The location of portable
toilets must be approved in advance by CITY staff. Any and all costs associated with the delivery,
installation, maintenance and removal of the portable toilets shall be the sole responsibility of
PORTLAND MUSIC FESTIVAL, LLC.
8. Accessibility. PORTLAND MUSIC FESTIVAL, LLC shall be responsible for
ensuring that accessibility is maintained to and within the Premises and Payson Park. Tents, stages,
tables, booths, stands, chairs and other structures erected must be placed so that they provide
adequate wheelchair and sidewalk access and do not interfere with access to the rest of Payson
Park consistent with applicable law. The adequacy of walkways and clearances shall be subject to
approval by the City of Portland Fire and Police Departments.
a. PORTLAND MUSIC FESTIVAL, LLC shall not render, or allow any of its
exhibitors, contractors, agents, invitees or other persons it permits on the
Premises or in Payson Park to render any aisle or exit inaccessible. If the CITY
determines that an aisle or exit is inaccessible, PORTLAND MUSIC
FESTIVAL, LLC shall immediately remove the cause and return the Premises
to compliance.
b. PORTLAND MUSIC FESTIVAL, LLC shall not render, or allow any of its
exhibitors, contractors, agents, invitees or other persons it permits on the
premises to render, the Premises or any part thereof inaccessible to disabled
persons. If the CITY determines that the Premises or any part thereof is
inaccessible to disabled persons, PORTLAND MUSIC FESTIVAL, LLC
shall immediately remove the cause and return the Premises to compliance. In
the event that the interpretive services are requested, it shall be the
responsibility of the PORTLAND MUSIC FESTIVAL, LLC to provide and
pay for such services. PORTLAND MUSIC FESTIVAL, LLC shall
indemnify, defend (by counsel reasonably acceptable to the CITY), and hold
harmless the CITY from any and all claims, damages, losses, costs, expenses
(including, without limitation, reasonable attorney’s fee) or liability of any kind
whatsoever arising out of this Agreement and related to any claim that any part
of the Premises was inaccessible to disabled persons during the Event.
9. Restoration of Payson Park. Upon completion of the Event, PORTLAND
MUSIC FESTIVAL, LLC shall remove any and all structures, equipment and material from
Payson Park, and restore Payson Park to the condition it was in at the commencement of this
Agreement, unless otherwise agreed to by the CITY. Any equipment or material left beyond the
expiration of this Agreement will become the property of the CITY and may be removed and
disposed of at the CITY’s discretion. In such an event, all costs of removal and/or disposal
incurred by the CITY shall be the responsibility of PORTLAND MUSIC FESTIVAL, LLC.
10. Damage to Payson Park. PORTLAND MUSIC FESTIVAL, LLC agrees to
provide the CITY with a $5,000 damage deposit no later than thirty (30) days prior to the Event
each year of the Initial Term and any Renewal Term. Deposit shall be used to cover the cost of
repairs to Payson Park or any other City property, if necessary. If the cost of repairs exceeds
$5,000, PORTLAND MUSIC FESTIVAL, LLC shall be solely financially responsible to cover
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the additional costs for restoring, replacing, and/or repairing all aspects of Payson Park that are
disturbed or damaged as a result of PORTLAND MUSIC FESTIVAL, LLC’s presence or work
on Payson Park or the presence or work of its employees, contractors, subcontractors, invitees or
volunteers except to the extent that the disturbance or damage was caused by the CITY or any of
the CITY’s officers, officials, managers, employees or agents. All restoration, repairs, and
replacement shall be subject to the following conditions:
a. The CITY shall have sole discretion to determine the nature and extent of any
such damage to Payson Park and shall have the sole discretion to determine the
scope of the necessary repairs, restoration, or replacement.
b. Prior to undertaking any repairs, replacement, or restoration under this section,
the CITY will notify PORTLAND MUSIC FESTIVAL, LLC, and provide
an estimate of the cost of any such work.
c. The CITY shall perform, or contract for, the repairs, restoration, or
replacement, and shall invoice PORTLAND MUSIC FESTIVAL, LLC for
the full cost, which shall be paid within thirty (30) days of invoicing.
d. The CITY, in its sole discretion and with prior agreement as to the scope,
schedule and contractor to do the work, may authorize PORTLAND MUSIC
FESTIVAL, LLC to complete the necessary work done at PORTLAND
MUSIC FESTIVAL, LLC sole cost and expense. Such work shall be
completed to the CITY's satisfaction.
e. PORTLAND MUSIC FESTIVAL, LLC acknowledges and agrees that its
obligation to repair, replace, and restore all aspects of Payson Park under this
paragraph shall survive the expiration of this Agreement.
IV. LIMITATION ON EVENT
11. Dangerous Displays. PORTLAND MUSIC FESTIVAL, LLC shall not
authorize, stage or promote any act or performance in which pyrotechnics, explosives or display
of open flames are involved or used without separate written CITY permission.
12. Attendance: No more than 12,500 people shall be allowed entry per day to each
year’s Event.
13. Right to Close Events. The CITY reserves the right to close any Event to the
public, including to ticket holders, at any time to protect public safety, including but not limited to
addressing issues of overcrowding in aisles, exits or entrances or turnstile/ticket counts in excess
of the total number of tickets authorized prior to the event. Public admission to any Event shall be
limited so that the number of occupants at the Premises shall not exceed the number approved by
the Portland Fire Department. PORTLAND MUSIC FESTIVAL, LLC shall release, indemnify,
defend (by counsel reasonably acceptable to the CITY), and hold harmless the CITY from any
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and all claims, damages, loss, costs, expenses (including, without limitation, reasonable attorney’s
fees) or liability of any kind whatsoever resulting from such Event closures.
14. Sound and Noise. PORTLAND MUSIC FESTIVAL, LLC will provide a sound
mitigation plan detailing their plan to limit the negative impact of sound and noise on the
surrounding community, including, but not be limited to, the following:
a. PA Speakers for an Event shall be placed facing north east on the grass triangle
and north west on Dyer Flats and be configured by PORTLAND MUSIC
FESTIVAL, LLC, with the approval of the CITY, to focus volume on the
immediate environment within the Premises.
b. Any and all public announcement (PA) and other speakers or amplifiers used
to amplify music or other sound shall be maintained at a level not to exceed an
A-weighted 85 decibels / C-weighted 95 decibels measured from the perimeter
of the Premises.
c. PORTLAND MUSIC FESTIVAL, LLC shall be responsible for monitoring
sound levels throughout the festival.
d. PORTLAND MUSIC FESTIVAL, LLC shall reduce the volume of music or
other amplified sound if above stated levels.
e. PORTLAND MUSIC FESTIVAL, LLC agrees to an annual noise deposit in
the amount of $1,000 no later than thirty (30) days prior to the date of the Event
each year. CITY will retain the deposit if all of the following occur: the CITY
receives three or more independent noise complaints; the CITY notifies
PORTLAND MUSIC FESTIVAL, LLC of the noise complaints; and
PORTLAND MUSIC FESTIVAL, LLC fails to address the noise adequately,
as evidenced by additional noise complaints. Nothing in this paragraph shall
be construed to interfere with the CITY’s ability to pursue any additional
remedies for noise violations under this Agreement or under its ordinances.
15. Minimum Service Levels. PORTLAND MUSIC FESTIVAL, LLC shall
reimburse the costs of all staffing services provided by the CITY. The City Manager or their
designee, shall determine the levels of services required for the Event, and PORTLAND MUSIC
FESTIVAL, LLC shall be responsible for paying for those services. The City Manager reserves
the right to increase amounts of staffing at any time if they deem it necessary to protect public
safety.
V. VENDOR MANAGEMENT
16. Vendor Compliance. PORTLAND MUSIC FESTIVAL, LLC shall be
responsible for ensuring that all vendors at an event have complied with appropriate license
requirements, including food service, sale of alcohol, street goods and concert licenses.
PORTLAND MUSIC FESTIVAL, LLC shall be responsible for all work performed by its
employees, agents and subcontractors or anyone hired or employed by PORTLAND MUSIC
FESTIVAL, LLC to perform services or provide supplies related to the Event.
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17. Beverage Service. PORTLAND MUSIC FESTIVAL, LLC may provide
Beverage Service at the Premises for the Event under the following conditions:
a. PORTLAND MUSIC FESTIVAL, LLC shall be responsible for validating
Event attendees are of the legal drinking age in the State of Maine, and shall
place wristbands on attendees of legal drinking age. Alcoholic beverages will
not be provided to attendees who are not of legal drinking age and do not have
a wristband.
b. The sale of alcoholic beverages shall be limited to the time the venue doors
open to attendees until one-half hour prior to the end of the performance at the
Event.
c. Alcoholic beverages may not be removed from the Premises.
d. During an Event, PORTLAND MUSIC FESTIVAL, LLC shall contract hired
security to secure the perimeter of the Premises to prevent attendees from
leaving the Premises with alcoholic beverages.
18. Merchandising. PORTLAND MUSIC FESTIVAL, LLC may sell, or contract
with a vendor(s) to sell merchandise in conjunction with an Event, including “soft goods,” such as
t-shirts, sweatshirts, banners, etc., and “hard goods,” such as recorded material, posters, program
books, books etc. PORTLAND MUSIC FESTIVAL, LLC is required to obtain all necessary
permits required to conduct those sales.
19. Food and Non-Alcoholic Beverages. PORTLAND MUSIC FESTIVAL, LLC
may sell, or contract with a vendor(s) to sell food and non-alcoholic beverages in conjunction with
an Event. PORTLAND MUSIC FESTIVAL, LLC are required to obtain all necessary permits to
provide that service.
VI. PAYMENTS TO THE CITY
20. Payments Due to the City. PORTLAND MUSIC FESTIVAL, LLC agrees to
make the following payments to the CITY:
a. PORTLAND MUSIC FESTIVAL, LLC shall pay to the CITY $1.00 per
ticket sold for the annual Event in 2026, $1.50 per ticket sold for the annual
Event in 2027, and $2.00 per ticket sold for the annual Event for 2028. Payment
under this section shall be made to the CITY no later than ten (10) days after
the Removal Date each year.
b. PORTLAND MUSIC FESTIVAL, LLC shall make an annual donation for
the duration of this agreement, in the amount of One Hundred Thousand Dollars
($100,000.00) per year to the Portland Parks Conservancy to be allocated
towards an improvement project in Portland’s Park system, which shall be paid
no later than thirty (30) days prior to each annual Event. The CITY agrees to
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hold this amount in escrow until after the Removal Date each year and hereby
agrees to refund such donation to PORTLAND MUSIC FESTIVAL, LLC if the
CITY terminates this Agreement or the Event is canceled through no fault of
PORTLAND MUSIC FESTIVAL, LLC after the donation has been paid with
respect to each annual Event.
21. Terms of Payment. Unless otherwise specifically provided in this Agreement, all
payments or reimbursements to the CITY pursuant to this Agreement shall be subject to the
following terms:
a. Any amounts owed shall be paid within ten (10) days of invoicing.
b. PORTLAND MUSIC FESTIVAL, LLC agrees to pay interest at the rate of
one and one-half percent (1½ %) per month on any payment which is not made
within the time limits set forth in this Agreement.
VII. INSURANCE OBLIGATIONS
22. Automobile and General Liability Insurance. Prior to the execution of this
Agreement, PORTLAND MUSIC FESTIVAL, LLC shall procure and maintain occurrence-
based Automobile Liability Insurance, Commercial General Liability Insurance, including
contractual and products liability, in amounts of not less than Two Million Dollars ($2,000,000)
per occurrence for bodily injury, death and property damage, and Two Million Dollars
($2,000,000) aggregate.
All vendors and/or subcontractors of PORTLAND MUSIC FESTIVAL, LLC shall provide the
City with proof of Automobile Liability Insurance and Commercial General Liability Insurance in
an amount of not less than One Million Dollars ($2,000,000) per occurrence for bodily injury,
death and property damage. In the instance where a vendor or subcontractor does not use an
automobile on the premises, Automobile Liability Insurance shall not be required.
23. Sale of Alcohol and Liquor Liability Insurance. PORTLAND MUSIC
FESTIVAL, LLC or its subcontractors, are permitted to sell alcoholic beverages during the event
in Payson Park, provided that the following conditions are met. The CITY requires that all
alcoholic beverages shall be sold, distributed, and/or served by a Qualified Catering Service (28-
A M.R.S.A. §1076), licensed by the State of Maine. Said catering service shall submit to both the
State of Maine and the City of Portland City Clerk an Application for Catered Function by
Qualified Catering Service and shall provide a copy of the approved Application for Catered
Function to the CITY. PORTLAND MUSIC FESTIVAL, LLC and/or any vendor or
subcontractor providing alcohol at the Premises, shall obtain and provide Liquor Liability
Insurance, in an amount of not less than One Million Dollars ($2,000,000) per occurrence. A copy
of the certificate of insurance shall be provided to the CITY prior to any Event at which the vendor
is serving alcohol.
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24. Workers’ Compensation Insurance. PORTLAND MUSIC FESTIVAL, LLC
and all of its vendors or subcontractors shall provide evidence of workers’ compensation
insurance, to the extent required by Maine Law, which shall include an endorsement waiving all
rights of subrogation against the City of Portland, its officers or employees.
25. Terms of Insurance. All insurance required pursuant to this Agreement shall be
subject to the following terms:
a. All insurance shall be obtained from insurers licensed to do business in the State
of Maine and acceptable to the CITY, such acceptance not to be unreasonably
withheld.
b. With respect to the Automobile Liability, Commercial General Liability, and
Liquor Liability Insurance, the CITY shall be named as an additional insured
on all required policies, only in those areas where government immunity has
been expressly waived by 14 M.R.S. A. § 8104-A, as limited by § 8104-B, and
§ 8111. This provision shall not be deemed a waiver of any defenses,
immunities or limitations of liability or damages available to the CITY under
the Maine Tort Claims Act, other Maine statutory law, judicial precedent,
common law, or any other defenses, immunities or limitations of liability
available to the CITY. All insurance shall be primary to any insurance the
CITY may have.
c. All certificates of insurance shall provide that they may not be canceled without
thirty (30) days prior written notice to the CITY.
d. PORTLAND MUSIC FESTIVAL, LLC and all of the vendors and
subcontractors shall furnish the CITY and thereafter maintain certificates of
coverage, prior to the execution of this agreement. They shall also provide the
CITY with a copy of any endorsement naming the CITY as additional insured.
Upon the CITY’s request, PORTLAND MUSIC FESTIVAL, LLC shall
provide the CITY with a complete copy of any and all policies required by this
agreement. CITY’S acceptance or lack of acceptance of any Certificate of
Insurance or other evidence of insurance shall not be construed as a waiver of
any obligation to obtain and maintain such insurance as required by this
agreement. CITY shall immediately refuse any work in Payson Park and cancel
any Event if the required certificates are not furnished within the required time.
e. All insurance required by this agreement shall contain a waiver of subrogation
rights against CITY.
f. PORTLAND MUSIC FESTIVAL, LLC and all of their vendors or
subcontractors shall be responsible for any and all deductibles and/or self-
insured retentions which are not to exceed $10,000 without the prior written
approval of CITY’s Corporation Counsel.
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g. If PORTLAND MUSIC FESTIVAL, LLC and all of their vendors or
subcontractors maintain broader coverage and/or higher limits than the
minimum required by this agreement, the CITY requires and shall be entitled
to the broader coverage and/or higher limits.
h. Nothing herein shall be deemed a waiver of any defenses, immunities or
limitations of liability or damages available to the CITY under the Maine Tort
Claims Act, other Maine statutory law, judicial precedent, common law, or any
other defenses, immunities or limitations of liability available to the CITY.
i. PORTLAND MUSIC FESTIVAL, LLC and the CITY understand and agree
that the minimum limits of the insurance herein required may become
inadequate during the Initial Term or Renewal Term of this Agreement.
PORTLAND MUSIC FESTIVAL, LLC agrees that it will increase such
minimum limits by reasonable amounts upon receipt of notice in writing from
the CITY. Such notices to change shall, in general, be issued no more often than
every two (2) years. The CITY may take note of damage awards being granted
by the Courts, however, and direct a reasonable increase in the minimum limits
of the insurance requirements at any time during the term hereof. In no case
shall such limits be less than the amount set forth under the Maine Tort Claims
Act, as may be amended.
VIII. INDEMNIFICATION AND RELEASE
26. Indemnification. To the fullest extent permitted by law, PORTLAND MUSIC
FESTIVAL, LLC shall, at its own expense, defend (by counsel reasonably acceptable to the
CITY), indemnify, and hold harmless the CITY, its officers, agents, and employees, at all times
from any claims, liability, losses, costs, expenses (including, without limitation, reasonable
attorney's fees) fines, damages or judgments, just or unjust, that arise out of or result from the
activities hereunder (collectively, “Claims”), said Claims to include, without limitation, claims for
personal injury, death, or property damage, including, without limitation, injury or damage to City
employees or property, and including claims based upon violation of any law, including
environmental law or regulation governing hazardous substances, that arise out of or are caused
in whole or in part, by any act or omission of PORTLAND MUSIC FESTIVAL, LLC, its guests,
agents, officers, employees, partners or contractors or anyone for whose act it may be liable.
PORTLAND MUSIC FESTIVAL, LLC’S obligations under this paragraph shall survive the
termination of this Agreement.
27. Release. PORTLAND MUSIC FESTIVAL, LLC hereby releases the CITY and
its officers, agents and personnel (collectively, the “Releasees”) from any and all claims, liabilities,
damages, losses, costs, fees and expenses arising out of or resulting, directly or indirectly, from
PORTLAND MUSIC FESTIVAL, LLC’s use of Payson Park, including, without limitation,
injuries, losses and damages for bodily injury (including disability or death) and property damage,
regardless of cause, including any and all claims, damages and liabilities that arise out of or result
from any actions or omissions, including negligence, on the part of any of the Releasees.
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PORTLAND MUSIC FESTIVAL, LLC promises not to sue any of the Releasees with respect
to any such claims or liabilities. This waiver and release is intended to be as broad as the law allows
and shall survive termination of this Agreement.
IX. TERMINATION
28. Termination by the City. The City may terminate this Agreement, without prior
notice to PORTLAND MUSIC FESTIVAL, LLC, under any of the following conditions:
a. A good faith determination by the City that PORTLAND MUSIC
FESTIVAL, LLC has failed to comply with any of the terms or conditions of
this Agreement, after providing PORTLAND MUSIC FESTIVAL, LLC with
written notice and a reasonable opportunity to cure such failure.
b. Failure of PORTLAND MUSIC FESTIVAL, LLC to respond appropriately
to excessive and substantiated noise complaints about the Event as provided in
this Agreement or otherwise, which complaints reflect significant public
inconvenience or other breaches of the peace, as determined by the City
Manager, after providing PORTLAND MUSIC FESTIVAL, LLC with
written notice and a reasonable opportunity to remedy such complaints.
c. Upon determination by the City that PORTLAND MUSIC FESTIVAL, LLC
has made material misrepresentations to the CITY in connection with its use or
occupancy of any of Payson Park.
d. The CITY determines, in its discretion, that it is prevented from furnishing use
of the Premises, or any portion thereof, to PORTLAND MUSIC FESTIVAL,
LLC on the dates scheduled due to structural failure, flooding, fire damage or
other physical damage to the Premises.
e. The CITY determines, in its discretion, that it is prevented from furnishing use
of the Premises, or any portion thereof, to PORTLAND MUSIC FESTIVAL,
LLC on the dates scheduled due to (a) acts of God; (b) flood, fire, earthquake
or explosion; (c) war, invasion, hostilities (whether war is declared or not),
terrorist threats or acts, riot or other civil unrest; (d) government order or law;
(e) actions, embargoes or blockades in effect on or after the date of this
Agreement; (f) action by any governmental authority; (g) national, regional or
local emergency, including a local emergency declared by the Portland City
Council; (h) strikes, labor stoppages or slowdowns or other industrial
disturbances; (i) epidemic, pandemic or similar influenza or bacterial infection;
(j) shortage of adequate medical supplies and equipment; (k) shortage of power
or transportation facilities; and (l) other events beyond the reasonable control
of the CITY.
In the event that the CITY terminates the Agreement for any of the reasons set forth above
or any other reason, PORTLAND MUSIC FESTIVAL, LLC’s only legal or equitable claim shall
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be for a refund of the deposits paid, including the donation to the Portland Parks Conservancy
described in Section IV (20) (b) herein. In the event the CITY terminates this Agreement for the
reasons set forth in Paragraphs 28(a), (b) and (c), the CITY may, in its discretion, deduct from the
deposits the direct costs incurred by the CITY in connection with this Agreement prior to the date
of termination. IN NO EVENT WILL CITY BE LIABLE TO PORTLAND MUSIC
FESTIVAL, LLC OR ANY THIRD PARTY FOR ANY DAMAGES EXCEEDING THE
AMOUNT OF THE DEPOSIT, INCLUDING WITHOUT LIMITATION, LOSS OF PROFIT
AND INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, SPECIAL, PUNITIVE, OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES
ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THIS AGREEMENT.
29. Termination by PORTLAND MUSIC FESTIVAL, LLC. In the event
PORTLAND MUSIC FESTIVAL, LLC terminates this Agreement, the CITY shall retain or
collect from PORTLAND MUSIC FESTIVAL, LLC twenty-five percent (25%) of the fees
described in Section IV of this Agreement in addition to any actual costs directly incurred by CITY
in preparation for the next Event following the date of any such termination.
30. Waiver. No waiver of any breach of any one or more of the conditions of this
Agreement by the CITY shall be deemed to imply or constitute a waiver of any succeeding or other
breach hereunder.
X. ADDITIONAL TERMS
31. Other Financial Obligations. PORTLAND MUSIC FESTIVAL, LLC shall be
solely responsible for any other financial obligations incurred as a result of the use of Payson Park
for any Event or otherwise in connection with this Agreement. These obligations shall specifically
include:
a. PORTLAND MUSIC FESTIVAL, LLC shall be responsible for payment of
any State or Federal taxes, or any other governmental assessment which may
be required in connection with an Event or other use of Payson Park.
b. PORTLAND MUSIC FESTIVAL, LLC shall be solely responsible for the
payment of any royalties or charges which are due or may become due on
material used for or during an Event. PORTLAND MUSIC FESTIVAL,
LLC warrants to the CITY that such royalties or charges have been paid or will
be paid promptly in accordance with law. PORTLAND MUSIC FESTIVAL,
LLC further agrees to hold the CITY harmless and indemnify it for all its costs
or losses, just or unjust, including attorney's fees in defense of claims, relating
to payment of any royalty, charge or fee for the use of material by PORTLAND
MUSIC FESTIVAL, LLC during an Event.
32. Compliance with Law. PORTLAND MUSIC FESTIVAL, LLC agrees to
comply with all applicable laws and regulations in its operations hereunder, including but not
limited to all applicable federal, state and local environmental law and regulations and laws and
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regulations governing hazardous substances, with respect to all its activities on Payson Park, and
to conduct all its activities on Payson Park in a safe, responsible, reasonable and business-like
manner. PORTLAND MUSIC FESTIVAL, LLC shall be responsible for payment of any fines
or monies owed as result of any failure to comply with any such laws, rules and/or regulations.
PORTLAND MUSIC FESTIVAL, LLC further specifically agrees:
a. To consult with the City's Fire Chief prior to any operations under this
Agreement to determine fire safety requirements.
b. That no person shall be denied admission to any Event on the basis of race,
color, creed, national origin, sex, disability, sexual orientation, or any other
class characteristic protected by law.
33. No Representations. PORTLAND MUSIC FESTIVAL, LLC agrees that no
representations, statements, or warranties, express or implied, have been made by or on behalf of
CITY in respect thereto, except as contained in the provisions of this Agreement. The CITY shall
in no event be liable for any latent defects of the Premises, unless the CITY has actual knowledge
of the defect and has failed to disclose such information to PORTLAND MUSIC FESTIVAL,
LLC.
34. Assignment. PORTLAND MUSIC FESTIVAL, LLC may not assign, pledge, sublet or
otherwise transfer any interest or right granted by this Agreement without the prior written consent
of the City Manager; provided, however, that PORTLAND MUSIC FESTIVAL, LLC may
engage subcontractors or hire individuals to perform services or provide supplies related to an
Event consistent with the terms of this Agreement.
35. Attorney's Fees. PORTLAND MUSIC FESTIVAL, LLC shall pay all
reasonable attorney's fees and costs on behalf of CITY if: (i) CITY should institute litigation
against it for breach of any term or condition of this Agreement, if the CITY is the prevailing party
in litigation; (ii) CITY should institute litigation against PORTLAND MUSIC FESTIVAL,
LLC for an unlawful detainer of Payson Park, if the CITY is the prevailing party in litigation; (iii)
CITY is made a party to litigation against PORTLAND MUSIC FESTIVAL, LLC, instituted
by a third party related to use of Payson Park under this Agreement; or (iv) if the CITY is required
to defend itself against any action or defense prosecuted by PORTLAND MUSIC FESTIVAL,
LLC or any third party arising out of PORTLAND MUSIC FESTIVAL, LLC’s use or
occupancy of Payson Park that does not result in a final judgment in favor of PORTLAND
MUSIC FESTIVAL, LLC. Fees and costs of defense incurred by the CITY shall be reimbursed
within thirty (30) days of invoice whether the litigation is prosecuted to judgment or not. Amounts
advanced by CITY, not reimbursed within said thirty (30) days, shall bear interest at a rate of one
and one-half percent (1 1⁄2 %) per month.
36. Additional Permit Required. PORTLAND MUSIC FESTIVAL, LLC
understands that the terms and conditions set forth in the Council Order and this Agreement
are not exhaustive and the CITY reserves the right to include additional terms and conditions in
the festival permit issued by the CITY’s Parks, Recreation and Facilities Department. 38.
Complete Agreement. This Agreement and its Exhibits constitute the entire and integrated
agreement and supersede all the terms and conditions of any prior agreement, negotiations, or
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representations, written or oral, between the parties, including but not limited to the Original
Agreement. This Agreement may not be further modified, except in writing, signed by the parties.
39. Rights Acquired. No rights will be acquired under this Agreement until the required
certificates of insurance have been provided to the CITY.
40. No property rights. No provision hereof shall be construed as conveying an
easement or other estate in land.
41. Amendment. This Agreement may be amended only in writing executed by the
parties.
42. No Waiver. No waiver of any breach of any one or more of the conditions of this
Agreement by the CITY shall be deemed to imply or constitute a waiver of any succeeding or other
breach hereunder.
43. Execution in Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in any number of
counterparts and by different parties in separate counterparts. Each counterpart when so executed
shall be deemed to be an original and all of which together shall constitute one and the same
agreement. A signature in a pdf or electronic document shall be considered the equivalent of an
original signature.
44. Authority. PORTLAND MUSIC FESTIVAL, LLC warrants and represents that
it has the full right and authority to enter into this Agreement, that there is no impediment that
would inhibit its ability to perform their respective obligations under this Agreement, and that the
person signing this Agreement on behalf of PORTLAND MUSIC FESTIVAL, LLC has the
authority to do so.
45. Further Assurances. Each party hereby agrees to cooperate with the other party’s
efforts to take such further actions as may be reasonably requested by the other party to carry out
the provisions and purposes of this Agreement and to implement the operation of the Event and
the other transactions contemplated herein, including without limitation, to execute, acknowledge,
and deliver any affidavits, certificates, assurances, consents, or other instruments as may be
necessary to fulfill the intent of this Agreement.
46. Governing Law and Jurisdiction. This Agreement shall be construed in all
respects in accordance with, and governed by, the laws of the State of Maine. All parties and
guarantors hereto hereby consent to the exclusive jurisdiction of the Superior Court for the County
of Cumberland in the State of Maine, for all actions, proceedings, and litigation arising from or
relating directly or indirectly to this Agreement or any of the obligations hereunder, and any
dispute not otherwise resolved as provided herein shall be litigated solely in said Court.
[SIGNATURE PAGE ATTACHED HERETO.]
14
Page 25
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the CITY OF PORTLAND has caused this Agreement to
be signed by Danielle P. West, City Manager, and by Tyler Grill, Manager of PORTLAND
MUSIC FESTIVAL, LLC, LLC, thereunto duly authorized the day and year first above written.
CITY OF PORTLAND
Date:____________________ ____________________________________
By: Danielle P. West
Its: City Manager
Approved as to form: ________________________
Corporation Counsel’s Office
PORTLAND MUSIC FESTIVAL, LLC
Date:____________________ ____________________________________
By: Tyler Grill
Its: Manager, duly authorized
15
Page 26
EXHIBIT B
APPROVED EVENTS SCHEDULE for 2026-2028
DATE DAY Schedule
6 days prior
Sunday Layout site
to event
5 days prior
Monday Field protection in place
to event
4 days prior
Tuesday Start of tenting/decor
to event
3 days prior
Wednesday Fencing begins
to event
2 days prior
Thursday Sound, lights, stages
to event
1 day prior to
Friday Final Prep
event
Day 1 of
Saturday Day 1
Event
Day 2 of
Sunday Day 2
Event
1 day
Monday Breakdown begins
following event
2 days
Tuesday Breakdown concludes
following event
3 days Last of the porta potties and all
Wednesday
following event remaining assets removed
16
Page 27
17
Page 28
EXHIBIT C
18
Page 29
GUARANTY OF
GOODWORKS PORTLAND FEST LLC
For valuable consideration, the receipt of which is hereby acknowledged, and in
consideration of an Agreement between the CITY OF PORTLAND (hereinafter "City"), a Maine
corporate body politic and PORTLAND MUSIC FESTIVAL, LLC (the "CONTRACTOR") for
the CONTRACTOR to rent and produce a music festival on certain Property owned by the City
of near and even date (the “Agreement”), the Undersigned, one of the equity owners of the
Contractor and a wholly owned subsidiary of GoodWorks Entertainment Group, LLC,
unconditionally guarantees to the City, its successors and assigns, full and prompt payment when
due of all such payments due under the Agreement and any and all other liabilities of
CONTRACTOR to the CITY arising under the Agreement, and all renewals, extensions or
modifications thereof of substitutions therefor (collectively, the "Obligations") together with all
costs and expenses of collection thereof and of enforcement of this Guaranty, including
reasonable attorney's fees.
Notice of acceptance of this Guaranty and of any action taken by the CITY from time to
time under this Guaranty or the Obligations is hereby waived, and this Guaranty shall operate as
a continuing and absolute Guaranty covering all Obligations.
Upon any default by CONTRACTOR under the Agreement, the liability of the
Undersigned shall be effective immediately, without demand, presentment, protest or notice of
any kind, all of which are hereby waived, without any action, proceeding or suit, whether against
CONTRACTOR, any security for the Obligations, or any other party liable for the Obligations,
without exhausting any other remedies, and without further steps to be taken or further
conditions to be performed by the CITY. Failure of the CITY to make any demand or otherwise
to proceed against the Undersigned or any other person liable on the Obligations in respect to
any default by CONTRACTOR shall not constitute a waiver of the CITY's right to proceed in
respect to any or all other defaults by CONTRACTOR.
The Undersigned hereby waives any right of exoneration by the CONTRACTOR, or to
contribute from any co-surety or security for any of the Obligations, defers any right of
subrogation until all obligations of the CONTRACTOR to the CITY, whether or not guaranteed
by the Undersigned, are paid in full, and defers any right to reimbursement from the
CONTRACTOR, until all Obligations of the CONTRACTOR are paid in full.
This Guaranty shall be binding upon successors and assigns of the Undersigned; and the
dissolution of the Undersigned shall not relieve its successors and assigns, from any liability or
obligation accruing prior to such succession or assignment, nor accruing prior to the expiration
of five (5) days after receipt by the City of notice of such death, succession or assignment, and
shall not relieve or discharge the Undersigned from his or her liability hereunder. The
Undersigned hereby submits to the jurisdiction of the courts of the United States of America,
Cumberland County, and State of Maine in connection with any suits or proceedings arising
hereunder. The undersigned hereby knowingly, voluntarily and intentionally waives any right to
a jury trial, whether arising under the Maine Constitution, United States Constitution or any State
or Federal statute, regulations, common law or rule of civil procedure with respect to any action
19
Page 30
or claim arising under or relating to this Guaranty or the dealings or the relationship between any
parties hereto.
Concurrently upon the payment, performance, and satisfaction in full of the Obligations
and any commitments of the CITY to the CONTRACTOR with respect to the Obligations, this
Guaranty shall automatically terminate, and the CITY shall duly execute all agreements,
terminations, consents, and releases reasonably requested by Guarantor evidencing (i) the
satisfaction of the Obligations and (ii) the CITY’s release of Guarantor from this Guaranty.
This instrument and all rights and remedies of the parties shall be construed and
interpreted under the laws of the State of Maine.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Undersigned has duly executed this Guaranty this
____day of September, 2025.
GOODWORKS ENTERTAINMENT
PORTLAND FEST LLC
____________________________ _____________________________
Witness By: Tyler Grill
Its: Manager, duly authorized
20
Page 31
GUARANTY OF
SHORE SOUND ENTERTAINMENT LLC
For valuable consideration, the receipt of which is hereby acknowledged, and in
consideration of an Agreement between the CITY OF PORTLAND (hereinafter "City"), a Maine
corporate body politic and PORTLAND MUSIC FESTIVAL, LLC (the "CONTRACTOR") for
the CONTRACTOR to rent and produce a music festival on certain Property owned by the City
of near and even date (the “Agreement”), the Undersigned, one of the equity owners of the
Contractor, unconditionally guarantees to the City, its successors and assigns, full and prompt
payment when due of all such payments due under the Agreement and any and all other
liabilities of CONTRACTOR to the CITY arising under the Agreement, and all renewals,
extensions or modifications thereof of substitutions therefor (collectively, the "Obligations")
together with all costs and expenses of collection thereof and of enforcement of this Guaranty,
including reasonable attorney's fees.
Notice of acceptance of this Guaranty and of any action taken by the CITY from time to
time under this Guaranty or the Obligations is hereby waived, and this Guaranty shall operate as
a continuing and absolute Guaranty covering all Obligations.
Upon any default by CONTRACTOR under the Agreement, the liability of the
Undersigned shall be effective immediately, without demand, presentment, protest or notice of
any kind, all of which are hereby waived, without any action, proceeding or suit, whether against
CONTRACTOR, any security for the Obligations, or any other party liable for the Obligations,
without exhausting any other remedies, and without further steps to be taken or further
conditions to be performed by the CITY. Failure of the CITY to make any demand or otherwise
to proceed against the Undersigned or any other person liable on the Obligations in respect to
any default by CONTRACTOR shall not constitute a waiver of the CITY's right to proceed in
respect to any or all other defaults by CONTRACTOR.
The Undersigned hereby waives any right of exoneration by the CONTRACTOR, or to
contribute from any co-surety or security for any of the Obligations, defers any right of
subrogation until all obligations of the CONTRACTOR to the CITY, whether or not guaranteed
by the Undersigned, are paid in full, and defers any right to reimbursement from the
CONTRACTOR, until all Obligations of the CONTRACTOR are paid in full.
This Guaranty shall be binding upon successors and assigns of the Undersigned; and the
dissolution of the Undersigned shall not relieve its successors and assigns, from any liability or
obligation accruing prior to such succession or assignment, nor accruing prior to the expiration
of five (5) days after receipt by PDC of notice of such death, succession or assignment, and shall
not relieve or discharge the Undersigned from his or her liability hereunder. The Undersigned
hereby submits to the jurisdiction of the courts of the United States of America and Cumberland
County, State of Maine in connection with any suits or proceedings arising hereunder. The
undersigned hereby knowingly, voluntarily and intentionally waives any right to a jury trial,
whether arising under the Maine Constitution, United States Constitution or any State or Federal
21
Page 32
statute, regulations, common law or rule of civil procedure with respect to any action or claim
arising under or relating to this Guaranty or the dealings or the relationship between any parties
hereto.
Concurrently upon the payment, performance, and satisfaction in full of the Obligations
and any commitments of the CITY to the CONTRACTOR with respect to the Obligations, this
Guaranty shall automatically terminate, and the CITY shall duly execute all agreements,
terminations, consents, and releases reasonably requested by Guarantor evidencing (i) the
satisfaction of the Obligations and (ii) the CITY’s release of Guarantor from this Guaranty.
This instrument and all rights and remedies of the parties shall be construed and
interpreted under the laws of the State of Maine.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Undersigned has duly executed this Guaranty this
____day of September, 2025.
SHORE SOUND ENTERTAINMENT LLC
____________________________ _____________________________
Witness By: Jordan Wolowitz
Its: Manager, duly authorized
22
Page 33
PRF 10 Year Capital Improvement Plan
The following schedule illustrates the long term plan for upkeep and improvements of Portland Parks and Open
Spaces. It represents the Parks Division's best estimate for timing and cost. Dates and amounts are subject to change
at any time. Prior to implementation, all projects would need support of Director of Parks, Recreation and Facilities,
City Manager, and City Council.
Note: FY27 Projects approved in March of 2026 2027 2028 2029 2030 2031 2032 2033 2034 2035 2036
Annual Total District $5,855,000 $9,465,000 $7,145,000 $6,440,000 $7,680,000 $3,469,000 $3,485,000 $3,800,000 $2,237,000 $1,775,000
Athletic Facilities
Deering High School Field Upgrades 5 $200,000 $275,000
Deering Oaks Baseball Lights and General Park Lighting 2 $500,000
Deering Oaks Infield Upgrades and Irrigation 2 $90,000
Deering Oaks Volleyball Court Replacement 2 $75,000
Fencing: Softball field at Talbot School 1 $75,000
Fitzpatrick Paving and ADA Improvements 2 $235,000
Fitzpatrick Stadium Entrance Upgrade 2 $75,000
Fitzpatrick to Expo Team Entrance Landscape Upgrades 2 $100,000
Fitzpatrick Track Resurfacing & Fencing Replacement 2 $600,000 $100,000
Fox St Irrigation Replacement 1 $75,000
Ludlow Baseball Field Upgrades 5 $500,000
Memorial Stadium Concession Stand Replacement 5 $500,000
Memorial Stadium Turf Replacement 5 $1,200,000
Payson B Softball Drainage and Irrigation 4 $110,000
Riverton Softball Lighting Replacement 5 $255,000
Synthetic Turf Field: location TBD $1,500,000
Cemeteries
Evergreen Driveway Drainage and Paving--To be funded by Water Resources 5
Evergreen Repaving Roads 5 $125,000 $125,000
Forest City Coastal Erosion Mitigation 5 $100,000 $1,000,000
Gravel Road Reconstruction (Evergreen and Forest City) - Could be paid for by trusts 5 $100,000
Green Burial Area Development (Evergreen) 5 $30,000
Pond Restoration Engineering 5 $30,000
Pond Restoration Construction 5 $500,000
Wilde Chapel Masonry 5 $500,000 $500,000
Community Gardens
Bayside Community Garden Relocation 1 $50,000
Community Garden Raised Bed Installation (Environmental Remediation at Payson, North St,
Valley St, Clark St) Various $100,000
Fence Repairs/Additions (3-4 Gardens (CDBG potential) Various $50,000 $50,000
Shed Replacements (and Peaks Island City Acres Shed)*** Various $45,000
Courts--Tennis, Basketball, Futsal
Bayside Basketball Court - New Construction 1 $150,000
Page 34
PRF 10 Year Capital Improvement Plan
The following schedule illustrates the long term plan for upkeep and improvements of Portland Parks and Open
Spaces. It represents the Parks Division's best estimate for timing and cost. Dates and amounts are subject to change
at any time. Prior to implementation, all projects would need support of Director of Parks, Recreation and Facilities,
City Manager, and City Council.
Note: FY27 Projects approved in March of 2026 2027 2028 2029 2030 2031 2032 2033 2034 2035 2036
Annual Total District $5,855,000 $9,465,000 $7,145,000 $6,440,000 $7,680,000 $3,469,000 $3,485,000 $3,800,000 $2,237,000 $1,775,000
Court Resurfacing: Various (DHS Tennis, Reiche, Pleasant St, Taylor St, Munjoy South) Various $150,000 $75,000 $75,000 $75,000 $75,000
Deering Oaks Tennis and Basketball Court Crack Mill & Overlay 2 $450,000
Deering Oaks Tennis Court Lights--Add (to be completed Fall 2025) 2 $350,000
Dougherty Field Basketball Pavilion 3 $150,000
Eastern Prom Tennis and Basketball Court Resurface 1 $50,000
Fox Field Basketball Court Repaving 1 $300,000
Futsal Court #2, location TBD $200,000
Longfellow Basketball Drainage and Reconstruction 5 $175,000
Payson Additional Basketball Court 4 $150,000
Peaks Island Multi-use Pickleball/Basketball Courts (2)*** 1 $300,000
Pickleball Court Construction (NEW) - Location TBD TBD $500,000
Riverton Tennis Court Fence Replacement 5 $100,000
Park Infrastructure
Bell Buoy Park Design/Engineering & Construction--ADA 1 $75,000 $750,000
Bramhall Square Reconstruction $250K budget, $100K from Maine Medical, $150 from Public
Works CIP, $100K other sources 2 $750,000
Deering Oaks ADA Sidewalks and Curbing--Farmers Market Rd. (State to Deering) 2 $300,000
Deering Oaks Pond Plaza and Dock--ADA 2 $100,000
Deering Oaks Pond Wall Reconstruction - Phase II 2 $400,000
Deering Oaks Ravine Wading Pool Rehab--ADA 2 $475,000
Deering Oaks Rose Circle Entrance--Convert to Brick--ADA 2 $75,000
Deering Oaks Roadway Repaving--Tennis Court Road 2 200,000
Disc Golf Course Expansion, Location TBD $50,000
East End Beach Bath House Replacement--ADA 1 $1,500,000
East End Recreational Boat Ramp Reconstruction 1 $500,000
Eastern Prom Cleeves Accident Fence Reconstruction 1 $50,000
Eastern Prom Cleeves Monument ADA Plaza 1 $125,000
Eastern Prom Cutter St Design (DPW will submit) 1 $300,000
Eastern Prom Cutter Street/Parking Reno--ADA (joint project with Public Works) 1 $2,750,000
Fencing: Eastern Prom Trail, Back Cove Trail, Riverside Recycling Trail, North Deering Park,
Nason's Corner Park 1 $375,000
Fort Gorges Composting Toilets 1 $100,000
Fort Gorges Parapet 1 $250,000
Fort Gorges Preservation Plan (Structural Stabilization) 1 $120,000 $200,000
Fort Gorges Sea Level Rise Intervention 1 $250,000
Fort Gorges Wharf Reconstruction (materials and engineering) 1 $100,000
Page 35
PRF 10 Year Capital Improvement Plan
The following schedule illustrates the long term plan for upkeep and improvements of Portland Parks and Open
Spaces. It represents the Parks Division's best estimate for timing and cost. Dates and amounts are subject to change
at any time. Prior to implementation, all projects would need support of Director of Parks, Recreation and Facilities,
City Manager, and City Council.
Note: FY27 Projects approved in March of 2026 2027 2028 2029 2030 2031 2032 2033 2034 2035 2036
Annual Total District $5,855,000 $9,465,000 $7,145,000 $6,440,000 $7,680,000 $3,469,000 $3,485,000 $3,800,000 $2,237,000 $1,775,000
Fort Sumner Reconstruction--ADA 1 $450,000
Fort Sumner Trail Lighting--to be paid for by Friends Group 1
Harborview Concrete Stair and Plaza: Resurfacing with Granite 2 $100,000
Harborview Stairs from Circle Trail Intersection to Commercial St 2 $100,000
Lincoln Park Fence--Federal St Phase I 1 $200,000
Lincoln Park Fence--Federal St Phase II 1 $350,000
Lincoln Park Fence--Franklin St (likely covered by Franklin St Project) 1 $300,000
Lincoln Park Walkway Lights 1 $250,000
Longfellow Park Bollard Lighting*** 3 $50,000
Ludlow Pond Drainage 5 $150,000
Martins Point Access Improvements 4 $150,000
Noyes Park Pathways, Seating and Trees--ADA 2 $500,000
Park Walkway ADA Paving, various locations (E Prom, Deering Oaks) various $200,000 $200,000 $200,000 $200,000
Payson Park Front Street Entrance Plaza Improvements and Cross-Park Trail to Baseball
Parking Lot- Possible C3 or Portland Housing Authority funding--ADA 4 $200,000
Payson Park Parking: Reconstructing Sledding Hill Parking Lot--ADA 4 $250,000
Payson Park Skating Rink Improvements (Expansion) 4 $75,000
Picnic Pavillion: Deering Oaks and Payson Park--ADA various $150,000 $150,000
Portland Harbor Common Phase II, Match for ORLP 1 $500,000 $1,000,000
Public Restrooms: Upper Western Prom, Ft Allen Park, Others? various
Quarry Run Dog Park Expansion and Renovation (Invasives Removal, Trail resurfacing, fence
replacement)--ADA 4 $100,000
Riverton Trolley Park to Riverside Golf Course Trail: Move Fence for trail connection 5 $100,000
Veranda Street Waterfront Open Space landscaping - MDOT property 4 $150,000
Western Prom "NEW" Sidewalk along Western Cemetery--ADA 2 $250,000
Western Prom Play Area 2 $150,000
Western Prom Bandstand, Toboggan Run Improvements 2 $150,000
Western Prom Roadway Tree Allee 2 $300,000
Western Prom Upper Park Walkway Reconstruction--ADA 2 $250,000 $250,000
Western Prom Valley Street Trail and Stone Retaining Wall Phase II 2 $150,000
Western Prom Vista Clearing and Plantings 2 $50,000 $50,000 $50,000
Western Prom Walkway Lighting 2 $200,000
Western Prom Walkway Reconstruction, Phase II--ADA 2 $150,000
Playgrounds, Skateparks, and Fitness Courses
Adams School Playground 1 $250,000
Deering Oaks Playground Equipment Replacement 2 $450,000
Page 36
PRF 10 Year Capital Improvement Plan
The following schedule illustrates the long term plan for upkeep and improvements of Portland Parks and Open
Spaces. It represents the Parks Division's best estimate for timing and cost. Dates and amounts are subject to change
at any time. Prior to implementation, all projects would need support of Director of Parks, Recreation and Facilities,
City Manager, and City Council.
Note: FY27 Projects approved in March of 2026 2027 2028 2029 2030 2031 2032 2033 2034 2035 2036
Annual Total District $5,855,000 $9,465,000 $7,145,000 $6,440,000 $7,680,000 $3,469,000 $3,485,000 $3,800,000 $2,237,000 $1,775,000
East End School Playground 1 $450,000
East End School Playground Design 1 $50,000
Fox Field Playground 1 $400,000
Fox Field Playground Design 1 $50,000
Great Diamond Island Playground 1 $150,000
Hesletine Park Playground 4 $250,000
Heseltine, Stroudwater, Taylor Street & Munjoy South Park Playground Designs various $125,000
Munjoy South Playground 1 $550,000
Ocean Avenue School Playground 4 $500,000
Ocean Avenue School Playground Design 4 $50,000
Peaks Island Playground 1 $250,000
Peaks Island Skate Park 1 $150,000
Peppermint Park--East Bayside Playground 1 $350,000
Peppermint Park--East Bayside Playground Design 1 $50,000
Playground Equipment Replacement: Various Locations various $75,000 $75,000 $75,000 $75,000
Portable Pumptrack: Moveable Neighborhood Skatepark various $150,000
Presumpscot Playground 4 $650,000
Presumpscot Playground Design 4 $50,000
Rowe School Playground 5 $600,000
Rowe School Playground Design 5 $50,000
Stroudwater Playground 3 $150,000
Taylor Street Playground 2 $100,000
Tyng-Tate Street Playground: Fencing and Seating*** 2 $25,000
University Park Playground (NEW) 4 $200,000
Will's Playground (Eastern Prom) 1 $500,000
Trails
Back Cove Stabilization & Guard Rail 1 750,000
Back Cove Trail Reconstruction and Stone Dust Resurfacing 4,3,1 $150,000
Bayside Trail Resurfacing--by Public Works 1,2
Dougherty Field Bike Path Improvements*** 3 $100,000
Eastern Promenade Sidewalk Resurfacing--by Public Works 1
Fore River Parkway Trail Resurfacing--by Public Works 2
Payson Park Cross Park Trail (Arboretum Road) 4 $150,000
Recreation Facilities
Page 37
PRF 10 Year Capital Improvement Plan
The following schedule illustrates the long term plan for upkeep and improvements of Portland Parks and Open
Spaces. It represents the Parks Division's best estimate for timing and cost. Dates and amounts are subject to change
at any time. Prior to implementation, all projects would need support of Director of Parks, Recreation and Facilities,
City Manager, and City Council.
Note: FY27 Projects approved in March of 2026 2027 2028 2029 2030 2031 2032 2033 2034 2035 2036
Annual Total District $5,855,000 $9,465,000 $7,145,000 $6,440,000 $7,680,000 $3,469,000 $3,485,000 $3,800,000 $2,237,000 $1,775,000
212 Canco Rd Community Room improvements 4 $200,000
Community Center Construction ???
Community Center Planning $200,000
Reiche Pool Renovation/Replacement 2 Unknown
Reiche Pool Filter 2 $115,000
Ice Arena
ADA Sidewalk and Access Issues (Park Ave to Horse Barn) 2 $400,000
Chiller Replacement (Refurb in 2024 will get us to est 2034) 2 $350,000
Front of building wall repairs? 2
Ice Arena Improvements 2 $50,000 $50,000 $50,000 $50,000 $50,000 $50,000
Redesign (Office to Locker Room) 2 $345,000
Sign Replacement (Ice Arena & Expo) 2 $85,000
Sprinkler Upgrade 2 $100,000
Structural Analysis of entire building 2
Golf Course
Bridge over Dole Brook: Phase II 5 $300,000
Bunker Renovation--North Course 5 $987,000
Bunker Renovation--South Course--Phase II 5 $250,000
Cart Barn engineering & design 5 $50,000
Cart Building Building Replacement-South Estimate 5 $500,000
Cart Building Building Replacement-North Estimate 5 $1,250,000
Course Improvements 5 $150,000 $100,000 $100,000 $100,000 $100,000 $100,000 $100,000 $100,000
Ice Rink Reconstruction add LED lighting 5 $210,000
Irrigation system replacement towers 5 $150,000
Irrigation System Replacement--TOTAL 5 $1,000,000 $1,000,000 $1,000,000
Golf Simluators/Roof Adjustment 5
Materials Storage--Covered 5 $144,000
Paving Parking Lot--North Course Phase I 5 $150,000
Paving Parking Lot--North Course Phase II 5 $150,000
Public Assemblies
Expo Renovations 2 $1,000,000
Merrill Interior Doors 1 $100,000
Merrill Loading Dock Engineering 1 $50,000
Page 38
PRF 10 Year Capital Improvement Plan
The following schedule illustrates the long term plan for upkeep and improvements of Portland Parks and Open
Spaces. It represents the Parks Division's best estimate for timing and cost. Dates and amounts are subject to change
at any time. Prior to implementation, all projects would need support of Director of Parks, Recreation and Facilities,
City Manager, and City Council.
Note: FY27 Projects approved in March of 2026 2027 2028 2029 2030 2031 2032 2033 2034 2035 2036
Annual Total District $5,855,000 $9,465,000 $7,145,000 $6,440,000 $7,680,000 $3,469,000 $3,485,000 $3,800,000 $2,237,000 $1,775,000
Merrill Loading Dock: Extend, Reorient & add bus parking 1 $300,000
Merrill Marquee 1 $200,000
Merrill Orchestra Pit Lift - PSO/POV/Opera offering funding 1 $300,000
Merrill Seating Replacement--adding to existing CIP of $200K 1 $100,000
Ocean Gateway: Add Catering Kitchen 1 $250,000
Outdoor venues - Barricades--moved to operating budget $140 various
There were no new requests submitted in this years public process
Page 39
CITY OF PORTLAND CITY OF PORTLAND
Parks, Recreation & Facilities Department Parks, Recreation & Facilities Department
Ethan Hipple, Director Alex Marshall, Parks Director
Memorandum
TO: Parks Commission and Land Bank Commission
FROM: Alex Marshall, Parks Director, Parks, Recreation and Facilities Department
SUBJECT: Parks Division Update
DATE: June/July 2025
Parks Division Staffing
● Total Budgeted positions in Parks Division: 43
● Vacancies:
○ Forestry Supervisor
○ Arborist
○ Horticulturist
○ Cemetery Grounds Maintainer
Citywide Unhoused Report
At this time, there are 40 encampments citywide, which is 3 fewer than this time in 2024 and 188 fewer
than that of 2023. Of the 40 active tent sites, none of them are located on City property. Overall, in 2025,
City Staff (primarily Rangers) have tagged and removed 384 tents citywide. Park Rangers continue to tag
and remove between 5 and 20 tents from City land each week and conduct a thorough clean-up
afterward with the help of other Parks staff or contractors. There continues to be a steady capacity
available at the Homeless Services Center.
Nathan Clifford Playground Reopening
The Playgrounds Team, led by Keith “Tater” Forest, took on the replacement of the old Nathan Clifford
School playground this Spring and Summer. With assistance from a local contractor, the Playgrounds
Team removed the old equipment and will be opening up the new and improved playground this coming
Friday the 15th. The creative solution for this neighborhood play space was to utilize a swingset recently
upgraded at Deering Oaks playground as well as the Kiwanis Pool play structure that came out due to the
pool’s reconstruction. Thank you team for making this project a reality for the community to enjoy!
Forestry Spring Planting & Co-Op Program
The Forestry Team planted a total of 125 trees this Spring as part of their annual tree planting program.
The focus in 2025 was in the low tree equity score neighborhoods and surrounding areas such as
continued efforts in Bayside. Additionally, of these 125 trees, there were 35 co-op trees planted across
the city. Additional trees will be planted this Fall during a second surge to reach their annual goal of
150-200 trees.
Court Resurfacing
The Riverton Tennis Courts have been officially renovated into 6 dedicated pickleball courts and one
212 Canco Road, Suite A • Portland, Maine 04103
Page 40 • www.portlandmaine.gov
parkscommission@portlandmaine.gov
CITY OF PORTLAND CITY OF PORTLAND
Parks, Recreation & Facilities Department Parks, Recreation & Facilities Department
Ethan Hipple, Director Alex Marshall, Parks Director
multi-use tennis and pickleball facility. Additionally, the contractor for that project was also able to
reconstruct the basketball courts at Lyman Moore, install sports coating at the Talbot Basketball Court
and install the new half basketball court and pickleball court on Great Diamond Island.
Back Cove Music Festival
The Back Cove Music Festival occurred during the weekend of August 2nd and 3rd, 2025. Payson Park
was transformed into a festival grounds where 8,000-10,000 people each day gathered to hear incredible
music, and eat good food in the comfort of this wonderful park. After the festival concluded, the impacts
were deemed to be very minimal to the park.
Preble Field Reconstruction
Back Cove South Stormwater Storage Project, which captures 3.4 million gallons of combined
stormwater/sewer discharge during each rain event, has come to a close and the Fitness Course and
Bathrooms have been opened up as of Friday, August 1st. The field remains fenced off until September 5
when there will be a Grand Opening Ceremony planned to celebrate the completion of this monumental
project. Stay tuned for more details coming.
Park Projects and Department Updates
Staff are working on the following Park Improvement projects:
● Deering Oaks Park ADA Walkway improvements: Phase 3, providing ADA access to the wading
ravine, was completed in the Summer of 2023. Phase 4, which is the sidewalk along Tennis Court
Drive, is going out to bid later this Summer for a potential Fall 2025 or Spring 2026 construction.
● Riverton Preserve: Recreation improvement plans are in progress and will consist primarily of a
trail network with other improvements. This project is intended to fulfill LWCF conversion
requirements, and final approval of the improvement plan rests with the state and National Park
Service, which has a public engagement process.
● Lower Western Prom Park Improvements: This project has been bid out and did not receive a bid
within the allocated budget, so it will be revised and re-advertised in the coming months.
● Longfellow Elementary School Playground: Playground Equipment has been selected. The project
went out to bid in the Spring of 2025 only to receive one bid substantially over the budget for
the project. Portland School Staff and Park Project Managers are working through the next steps
to keep this project going.
● Portland Harbor Common: This project went out to bid in the Spring of 2025 to receive one
bidder. The contract is being worked through currently.
● Stroudwater Bridge: The funding gap has been met for this project thanks to a City Council
approval of CIP funding this past Spring. The bid documents and construction drawings have all
been completed and the project will be bid in the next few weeks.
● Public Restrooms: So far, the city has installed 15 new public restrooms citywide over the past 3
years. Recent modifications were done to the units at The Eastern Promenade, Commercial
212 Canco Road, Suite A • Portland, Maine 04103
Page 41 • www.portlandmaine.gov
parkscommission@portlandmaine.gov
CITY OF PORTLAND CITY OF PORTLAND
Parks, Recreation & Facilities Department Parks, Recreation & Facilities Department
Ethan Hipple, Director Alex Marshall, Parks Director
St/Fish Pier, and Fox Field to include a vault for increased storage capacity. 4 more public
restrooms are on the way with one at Lower Western Promenade, 1 at the Spring and High
street parking lot, and 2 at the Eastern Promenade near the existing bathhouse.
212 Canco Road, Suite A • Portland, Maine 04103
Page 42 • www.portlandmaine.gov
parkscommission@portlandmaine.gov