Saco, Maine officials are considering a remodel of historic Pepperell Park, with plans to remove an old school and create an updated space with amenities for all ages and possible community events. Residents and city councilors are showing support for the project. Efforts are underway to finalize the design and secure funding.
City of Saco photo
An aerial photo of the current Pepperell Park.
The town of Saco, Maine, could see a remodeling project of its historic Pepperell Park in the near future.
At a Saco City Council meeting on June 16, 2025, councilors heard a presentation from Ryan Sommer, the town's parks and recreation director; and Todd Richardson, a landscape architect, on the potential renovation plans, the Portland Press Herald reported.
"We've been working on this project for about a year now with the initial design," Sommer said. "We're looking for a direction of where to go next."
The remodel centers around the removal of John Fairfield Elementary School, located in the middle of the park. After the construction of two new elementary schools in Saco are completed, the older facility will no longer be needed.
Saco voters approved a funding plan for the new pair of schools last summer.
Pepperell Park is centrally located in the community, Richardson said, allowing for access from both vehicles and pedestrians.
"There are a lot of people who can access this park just by walking," he said. "It's right in the heart of the city."
Saco is located just more than 17 mi. south of Portland, Maine's largest city.
Currently, Pepperell Park is both the site of the Fairfield School as well as an active community park. It includes a cemetery, community gardens and a dog park with sidewalks leading from surrounding neighborhoods.
Plans for the remodeled park include a pond with a fountain and a perimeter walkway, a picnic area, gathering spaces, an amphitheater and a playground with equipment for children of all ages and capabilities.
"This park would serve a lot of diverse age groups," Richardson told the Portland news source. "There are a lot of different walking and gathering opportunities."
In Pepperell Park's open spaces, community events like farmers markets could also be held, he said, and winter activities like snowshoeing, cross country skiing and even pond skating could be available.
The current plan also includes some of the renovation's logistics. For example, Pepperell Park's entrance would be located on Beach Street, with multiple pedestrian entrances scattered around the park's perimeter. In addition, two parking lots would be available — one at the main entrance on Beach Street, and another near School Street.
Renovation proposals also suggest the creation of a new boulevard with plantings that connects School Street to Beach Street on the edge of the park.
"This would not be an average road," said Richardson. "It could be closed for activities and community events."
Pepperell Park is already one of the oldest and most heavily used parks in Saco. Besides the old Fairfield School, the 12-acre park includes a large parking area, a stone water tower, a pavilion, a new playground (installed in 2023), an Edu-Course Fitness Trail, picnic tables, park benches and open green space.
In addition, it features a community garden and a gymnasium inside the school and a paved walkway within the park. A portion of Pepperell Park is handicap accessible via the path from Beach Street to the school.
City Councilors Report ‘Glowing Support' From Saco Residents
After hearing Richardson's proposals for upgrading Pepperell Park, Saco city councilors expressed their interest in the project. Joe Gunn, a council member representing Ward 3, told the Press Herald that he is excited by the inclusion of an amphitheater and performance area.
"That's something that has always been lacking in an outdoor space in Saco," he said.
Ward 7 Councilor Nathan Johnston noted that he has already heard "glowing support" for the project from Saco residents, including those who live in the neighborhoods surrounding Pepperell Park.
Some town residents even voted for the new school bond specifically in hopes of renovating the park, according to Johnston.
"I'm supportive of this," he said. "It's a real unique opportunity."
He doubted whether Saco would get a second opportunity to renovate Pepperell Park if it did not seize the chance to do so now and "reclaim that historic park to what the intent always was."
His colleague, fellow city councilor Phil Hatch (Ward 5) also liked the plan, according to the Press Herald, but asked if Fairfield School could still be used in some way, noting pressures on housing and space at Saco City Hall.
However, according to Sommer, Pepperell Park can only be used as a park or a school due to deed restrictions.
"At the end of the day, that school has outrun its life," he said.
In the coming weeks, Sommer hopes to put together a committee that will help the city reach the park's final design and look at ways to fund the project.
"To be candid, there are a lot of things that still need to be worked out," Richardson said. "We're just getting started."
Today's top stories
