Discover Downtown Westbrook is excited to be hosting various Jane’s Walks throughout Downtown Westbrook on the weekend of May 6th. Jane’s Walks are citizen led informational walks that have become popular nationwide. These walks are held in memory of Jane Jacobs, an activist who fought against the urban development of Central Park. You will have the chance to join a variety of Jane’s Walks in Westbrook with topics including the history of the Presumpscot river, future plans for the downtown area, and the development of walking trails in Westbrook.
Jane’s Walks are being organized by Discover Downtown Westbrook! Thank you to our volunteer leaders: Michael Shaughnessy, Mike Sanphy, Daniel Stevenson, and Rhonda Forrester.
Jane’s Walks:
The Rise of the Falls: A History of the Presumpscot River. Mike Shaunessy.
Friday May 6th, 7:00-8:00pm.
Meet at Saccarappa Park
This walk will be led by Michael Shaunessy, a member of Friends of the Presumpscot and art professor at the University of Southern Maine. Westbrook has a deeply rooted relationship with the Presumpscot river, yet its history often goes unrecognized. Join Michael as he shares the fascinating history of the restoration of the Presumpscot river and its dynamic ecosystem. From Saccarappa Park, the group will venture to the island on Mill Lane to discover the history of the dam that used to inhibit the river’s fishing routes. From Mill Lane, Michael will lead the group up to the Poulin Memorial, where the group will learn the importance of the memorial and, as a bonus, get to pet some goats!
A Vision for Westbrook. Daniel Stevenson.
Saturday May 7, 10:00-11:00am
Vallee Square (Next to Frog and Turtle)
This walk will be led by Daniel Stevenson, lifetime Westbrook resident and the City’s Economic Development Director. There is a lot of construction happening downtown, Westbrook Commons, Vertical Harvest, and there’s more to come! Join Daniel as he provides a vision of what’s happening now and what’s to come in Westbrook. Meet Daniel at the Vallee Square on Main Street at 10:00am.
Then and Now, A Walk down Main Street. Mike
Sunday May 8, 11:00-12:00 Westbrook
Meet at the intersection of Spring and Main Street in Westbrook.
This walk is led by local historian, author of the newly published book Westbrook Remembered, and longtime member of the Westbrook Historical Society – Mike Sanphy. Join Mike at 11:00 at the intersection of Spring and Main Street and continue to walk down Main Street to Saco Street. Experience the stories, see the pictures, and remember – or imagine – what Main Street used to be.
Designing Downtown Spaces. Rhonda Forrester.
Sunday May 8, 11:00- 12:00pm
Meet at Riverbank Park Roundabout.
Discover Downtown through the lens of Civil Engineering and Urban Planning, with DDW Board member, Portland Trails member and Civil Engineer, Rhonda Forrester. Meet Rhonda at 11:00am at Riverbank Park, at the roundabout.
Curious what is considered when designing downtown spaces? What do we need to consider when connecting our neighborhoods? What’s so important about stormwater, anyway? Rhonda will help you discover the planning and design necessary to create urban landscapes, and what trails you can access right from downtown.
You can email Chloe Hepburn at chloe@downtownwestbrook.com with any questions or concerns.
