Maine Trails Program Success Story: Breaking Barriers at Old Boston Preserve

Ogunquit - The Maine Trails Program (MTP) is currently the most robust and accessible funding mechanism available for trails in our state. Created following overwhelming voter support for the 2024 Trails Bond, the program is administered by the Bureau of Parks and Lands (BPL) within the Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry.

​Though the first round of historic grant awards was announced just six months ago, several highly anticipated projects are already underway. In Ogunquit, the Great Works Regional Land Trust (GWRLT) is using this crucial state investment to turn a long-held community dream into a tangible reality this summer with the construction of its first universally accessible trail at Old Boston Preserve.

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"For Everyone, Forever"

The Great Works Regional Land Trust’s guiding motto is “For everyone, forever.” But true access requires intention. Leaders there realized that for people with limited mobility, traditional conservation lands remain out of reach. In fact, across the six towns GWRLT serves, their 22 existing trail networks all shared a familiar Maine characteristic: terrain dominated by roots and rocks. That is changing at the Old Boston Preserve in Ogunquit.

Thanks to a critical infusion of funding from the Maine Trails Program, GWRLT is currently constructing the  first Universal Access trail in its network. When completed this fall, the project will feature a one-mile, universally accessible looping trail.
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