AUGUSTA – Final figures for 2009 show that Maine state parks had an almost 8 percent increase in both day use and camping over the previous year, despite wet summer weather and a poor economy.
Total attendance for the year was the largest in the past seven years, according to Maine Bureau of Parks and Lands figures. The numbers show that more than 165,000 more visits were made to the state parks last year than in 2008, an increase of 7.6 percent, officials said.
The nightly occupancy rate at Maine’s 12 state campgrounds was up overall by 1 percent, while the day use visits were up by 8.3 percent, BPL officials said.
“We are very pleased with these numbers, and they show how much Maine people and other visitors value our state parks,” Eliza Townsend, acting commissioner for the Maine Department of Conservation, which oversees the BPL, said. “We hope for an even greater increase this year as we enter our 75th anniversary of the founding of the Maine state park system.”
“This is wonderful news,” Will Harris, BPL director, said. “Our visitors know how much they can get out of visiting our beautiful state parks – spectacular locations, excellent recreational opportunities and the chance to make lifetime memories with their friends and families. These numbers show that even in difficult economic times and despite bad weather at times, our state parks offer respite, relaxation and fun at great value. We welcome all families to come join the fun.”
The BPL oversees 47 state parks and historic sites including salt- and fresh-water beaches. A total of 12 of those parks have public camping. The Maine state parks and historic sites contribute more than $100 million annually to the state economy.
Park attendance was strong for the early part of 2009 park season, with significant attendance in April and May and strong sales of park passes despite poor economic conditions statewide. Unusually rainy weather for the rest of the summer, including 60 days of rain, however, had led to an expectation of a reduction in the number of park visits.
Figures released Wednesday nonetheless show a significant increase in total attendance, increasing from 2.18 million visits in 2008 to 2.34 million visits. It is the largest attendance in the past seven years, with 2007 as the year with the next highest attendance at 2.31 million.
The most popular campgrounds continue to be Sebago Lake (84,173 overnights), Camden Hills (23,403 overnights) and Mount Blue (21,337 overnights). Eight of the state campgrounds saw increases in nightly occupancy, with the greatest increases at Warren Island (10.7 percent) and Aroostook (9.2 percent) state parks.
Significant increases in visits to state parks were seen at a number of state parks, including Fort Point (71.7 percent); Kettle Cove (49.7 percent); Damariscotta Lake (36.1 percent); Quoddy Head (35.5 percent); Holbrook Island (27 percent); Bradbury Mountain (24.5 percent); and Eagle Island (20.2 percent).
BPL officials expect a strong show of interest in Maine’s state parks with the celebration of the system’s 75th anniversary year. In recognition, many of the parks and historic sites are planning numerous activities, including family fun days, nature watching events, and historic presentations.
The anniversary year will kick off this week with a statewide proclamation by Gov. John E. Baldacci, who will declare 2010 “Maine State Parks Year.” The park system was officially formed in 1935 with the creation of the State Park Commission by the Maine Legislature. In 1938, a group of local business owners donated 100 acres of land in Presque Isle, which became Aroostook State Park, Maine’s first state park.
Department officials also are seeing strong interest in the sales of park passes, which can be purchased on line, through state tax returns and at the state parks.
Park campground reservations will open on Monday, Feb. 1, for Sebago Lake State Park and for all campgrounds on Monday, Feb. 8. The number of advance reservations made also will indicate park interest.
For more information about Maine state parks, go to: http://www.parksandlands.com
For information about Maine state campground reservations, go to: http://www.campwithme.com
For more information about Maine park passes, go to: http://www.mainestateparkpass.com
