Improvements planned for Ellsworth’s Merrill Park
Photo / Courtesy Heart of Ellsworth
Merrill Park, on Franklin Street in downtown Ellsworth, is getting some TLC thanks to the efforts of community interests.
A pocket park on a side street off downtown Ellsworth isn’t very well known, even among the city’s residents.
A community group called Heart of Ellsworth aims to change that.
Last month, the group received a Tactical Urbanism Lightning Grant from Build Maine to support infrastructure improvements at Merrill Park, a municipal-owned space on Franklin Street.
The grant program provides up to $1,000, with additional project support available through shared supplies, technical support and other resources.
Merrill Park was a gift to the city of Ellsworth from the Merrill Family in memory of Osmon N. Merrill. It was originally a simple space with grass, a bench and a commemorative sign. Over time, the park fell into disrepair.
In 2017, neighborhood residents Amy and Michael Reisman began caring for the park, mowing the lawn, hardscaping flower beds and planting perennials. Their efforts, along with the collaborative work of residents, the Ellsworth Public Works Department and Heart of Ellsworth’s Design Committee, have helped improve the park.
In 2023, electricity was installed in the park. Building on that effort, Heart of Ellsworth said it would engage the community in further revitalization through an interactive activity led by its design committee and volunteers. The goal is to come up with a final design for a holiday lighting installation in the park.
The grant aims to foster communication between residents, municipal staff and elected officials, fund low-cost improvements, and test ideas before committing significant funds to permanent changes.
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