The New Balance Foundation has announced a transformative $1 million investment in the development of the Skowhegan River Park in Maine, marking a major milestone in one of the region’s most ambitious community revitalization projects. The funding was revealed alongside the official start of construction for the park’s first riverfront boardwalk phase, demonstrating growing momentum behind efforts to reconnect downtown Skowhegan with the Kennebec River through recreation, tourism, environmental access, and economic development.
The foundation’s contribution is among the largest private donations received by the project and will support several key community assets, including the New Balance Foundation Boardwalk and the New Balance Foundation Basecamp Gear Library. These facilities are designed to increase public access to outdoor recreation while encouraging active lifestyles, community engagement, and environmental appreciation among residents and visitors alike.
Construction has now begun on Phase 1 of the boardwalk project, a $2.3 million investment that will create more than 4,000 square feet of ADA-accessible riverfront decking using northern white cedar. Scheduled for completion by the end of 2026, the boardwalk will serve as a central feature of the broader River Park initiative, offering improved public access to the river and creating new opportunities for recreation and community gatherings.
Funding for the first phase has been secured through a combination of public and private sources, including a $2 million federal Community Project Funding grant and additional support from the Expedia Trail Fund. The project continues to attract significant backing from government agencies, private organizations, and community partners, reflecting confidence in its long-term social and economic value.
Momentum for future development phases is also accelerating. Project leaders recently secured a $2.5 million Timber for Transit grant to support construction of the second boardwalk phase, which will add more than 7,000 square feet of additional riverfront infrastructure beginning in 2027. Plans are also advancing for the park’s signature attraction—an adjustable whitewater surf and kayak wave—which has received support through a proposed $5.6 million federal funding request.
