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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"Without the Maine Trails Program, this project simply would not exist," says Katherine Derby, GWRLT’s Development Director. "We are a non-profit, and building a legitimate, safe Universal Access trail that protects the surrounding environment is an expensive undertaking. The MTP filled our funding hole completely."

History Meets Ecological Diversity

The Old Boston Preserve is a beautiful, ecologically vital parcel of land adjacent to the Ogunquit River. For generations, the land was cared for by the Boston family descendents, and hints of its agricultural past still linger. Visitors walking the trail will pass historic stone walls, old cellar foundations, blooming lilac bushes, a family cemetery, and the distinct outlines of old farm roads. (See photos below of some artifacts at the site.)

The preserve is also a hotspot for biodiversity, boasting vibrant populations of fungi, a mix of old and new-growth forests, and excellent bird-watching opportunities.

Since GWRLT acquired the property in 2020 the trail system was designed to be a Universal Access Trail. With the MTP grant, GWRLT was able to hire a professional trail builder to install the trail as planned by a professional trail designer. Work began in the early spring and will be complete by summer's end, providing a trail free of obstructions, with a smooth surface and gentle grades to accommodate wheelchairs, strollers, and walkers of varying ability.

Unlike many accessible paths that consist of short, flat boardwalks near a parking lot, this project is unique: it is a true, immersive loop located "legitimately in the woods," notes Katherine, allowing every visitor to experience forest immersion and connection with nature.
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A Lasting Public Benefit for Maine Taxpayers

Because the trail is already a permanent fixture of GWRLT’s protected holdings, this project is a shining example of a lasting public benefit. It will remain free, open, and protected for generations to come.

While Ogunquit is known worldwide as a bustling tourist destination, this trail is a profound quality-of-life investment for local Maine families. It opens up a space where multi-generational activities can finally happen together. Soon a grandparent using a walker, a parent pushing a stroller, and a young child can all share a walk in the woods with equal dignity and independence.

"Seeing these projects take shape so quickly is a powerful reminder that investments in trails deliver tangible benefits for Maine communities,” says Adam Fisher, Maine Trails Program Coordinator at the Bureau of Parks and Lands. “The work happening on the ground today will create outdoor experiences that people can enjoy for generations.”
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Community Excitement is Growing

The public response has been overwhelmingly positive. Because the trail has remained open during construction, community members who regularly walk the preserve are watching the daily progress with excitement and reaching out with encouraging feedback. The project has also served as a wonderful opportunity to educate the public on what true universal accessibility means for outdoor recreation.

GWRLT is working closely with the Town of Ogunquit, local representatives, and the Chamber of Commerce. As the project nears its fall completion date, the land trust plans to host town officials and community members for a grand opening celebration.

As we celebrate this incredible milestone, the Maine Trails Coalition wants to extend thanks to the Bureau of Parks and Lands and the taxpayers of Maine. Your votes in 2024 are now having impact on the ground, removing barriers, and helping ensure that Maine’s outdoors are more accessible for everyone.

Learn more about the Great Works Regional Land Trust and plan your next visit to the Old Boston Preserve by visiting gwrlt.org. 
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-Author Leigh Hallett served as the Director of the Maine Trails Coalition during the 2025–2026 implementation of the Maine Trails Program. This article is part of a special series documenting the local impact of MTP.