Great news for fans of Ogunquit’s Marginal Way! According to recent reports in Seacoast Online, our cherished walking path will be getting a significant facelift beginning this fall. This exciting development comes thanks to a combination of community support, The work of the Marginal Way Preservation Fund, and strong leadership from Ogunquit Town Manager Matthew Buttrick.
Remember those harsh winter storms that battered the coast back in January? While undeniably dramatic, they left their mark on Marginal Way. Erosion, scattered rocks, and general wear-and-tear added up to an estimated $1 million in damage. On top of that, previous storms dating back to 2018 had already caused $2 million in damage.
View a video of a 2018 storm along the Marginal Way
Thankfully, during the annual town meeting on June 11th, Ogunquit voters approved $1 million to repair tdamage to the Marginal Way. These funds will be combined with money that the Marginal Way Preservation Fund raised following the two major storms that impacted Ogunquit over the winter.
Working with Walsh Engineering, the town has established a comprehensive $3 million repair plan with a two-year completion timeline. The repairs will address a variety of issues. Expect to see eroded areas replaced, sections of the path repaved, and washout spots filled with gravel. Railings, concrete steps, and bench platforms will also be restored. Additionally, the project includes wall reconstruction, stabilization efforts for Winterberry Meadow’s edge, and more.
Town officials expressed their deep appreciation to the Marginal Way Preservation Fund for their crucial support. This collaboration ensures the vital project won’t solely rely on taxpayer dollars.
While emergency repairs ensured Marginal Way’s accessibility for the current tourist season, the upcoming project represents a full restoration. Town Manager Buttrick stated that the town is committed to making Marginal Way whole again.
Buttrick also praised the tireless efforts of Marginal Way Committee volunteers, who dedicate their time to weeding, trash removal, and planting native flora with robust root systems to enhance the path’s resilience. Since the 2018 damage, this committee has been a champion for Marginal Way’s well-being, and their advocacy has been instrumental in securing these repairs.
Additionally, Buttrick mentioned that the community is grateful for the support of the Marginal Way Preservation Fund — and that, without them, the full $3 million burden would fall on taxpayers.
Thanks to this collaborative effort, Marginal Way – one of the most gorgeous and cherished scenic coastal walkways in the world – is poised to remain a potent landmark for generations to come!
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