Rainy Saturdays at the Farmers Market

We’re trying something new here! Emma Reynolds, one of our founding editors, has a background in audio journalism. This past weekend—the 9th rainy Saturday in a row—she headed to the farmers market to talk with vendors about how the weather has affected their season so far. Give it a listen.

Thank you to Snell Family Farm, Goranson Farm, and the Market Info Booth for talking with us!

Another Loss for the Quick Dip: Willard Beach May Charge for Parking

The City of South Portland is looking to enact a paid parking program at Willard Beach for non-residents. Citing a need to pay for costs related to the public beach, the proposal would create a sticker system for residents and a paid parking system at the Willard Beach lot — and potentially all of the surrounding streets. The SoPo city council approved the idea as part of the Willard Beach Master Plan in 2023. 

Willard Beach is one of the last bastions of easy public beach access for Portland residents. While the Portland area is within driving distance to numerous beaches, only Willard Beach, the East End Beach, and Trundy Point in Cape Elizabeth remain as those without parking fees. Last year, Cape Elizabeth residents pressed for a controversial emergency parking plan for Cliff House Beach — aka “secret beach” to more than a few — further cracking down on access to a beloved local spot by enacting more parking restrictions. 

While the proposal in South Portland cites the need for visitors to pay for beach costs, Willard Beach — which is often closed due to sewer contamination — is not typically a destination beach for tourists. In practice, those visiting both Willard Beach and Cliff House are most likely locals in search of a quick, easy swim. 

Despite having one of the longest coastlines in the country (depending how you measure crags and coastal zags) Maine rivals Massachusetts in having the lowest percentage of publicly owned and accessible coastal land. We’re also uhhh, blessed with the unique distinction of having the most second homes of any other state as of 2019 — one-in-five Maine homes are vacation homes. Seasonal residents who own second homes in Cape Elizabeth and South Portland (or their AirBnB guests who use their parking passes) will be able to qualify for residential beach parking at Cliff House and Willard. Portland residents, however, are out of luck.

South Portland's proposal will be reviewed in a city council workshop, date to be determined. The location and rates of the program are not set.

That’s it for the eighth edition of The Burn. Keep reading!

Please subscribe and share with your friends, too.

Authors and Editors

Em Burnett, Emma Reynolds, and Nick Schroeder all wrote and edited this edition of The Burn. This audio piece was recorded and produced by Emma Reynolds, with editing provided by Em Burnett. The music you heard is from Blue Dot Sessions.