, City of Bath, Maine - Official Website - Riverwalk Project

Riverwalk Project

Riverwalk Video by City of Bath

The Riverwalk in Bath, Maine, is a scenic pathway that runs along the Kennebec River, offering both locals and visitors a peaceful and picturesque setting for active and passive recreation and enjoyment of the natural beauty and unique built environment of the area. Bath, known as the "City of Ships," has a rich maritime history, and the Riverwalk is an excellent way to connect with that heritage while also experiencing the city's charm. The Riverwalk is conveniently located near Bath's historic downtown, making it easy to combine a stroll along the river with visits to local shops, restaurants, and museums. Additionally, with much of the riverwalk pathway traversing along the Kennebec’s shores, visitors are granted the opportunity to observe some of Maine’s vibrant wildlife, including eagles, osprey, and sturgeon. Updated Concept Plans & Presentation



 Why is the City looking at expanding the riverwalk?


Increased Property Values

One of the most immediate and tangible economic impacts of a riverwalk is its influence on nearby property values. Studies have shown that properties located near waterfronts and scenic recreational spaces often experience a rise in value. As the riverwalk becomes a key feature of the urban landscape, residential, commercial, and hospitality properties in the vicinity may see higher demand, resulting in increased property taxes and investment in the area. 
Fostering Public-Private Partnerships and Investment

A riverwalk often serves as a catalyst for private investment. Public-private partnerships can leverage public funding with private investment to develop mixed-use developments along the waterfront, providing space for residential, commercial, and office uses. This blend of public and private interests can ensure that the riverwalk not only remains a community asset but also becomes a sustainable source of long-term revenue generation for the city.
Attracting Tourism and Boosting Local Businesses

A well-developed riverwalk can become a major tourist attraction, drawing both local and out-of-town visitors. Tourists spend money at nearby hotels, restaurants, retail shops, and entertainment venues, creating a positive economic cycle. Small businesses, particularly those related to hospitality, dining, and retail, can thrive in the vibrant atmosphere created by the riverwalk. By providing an attractive environment for both residents and visitors, the riverwalk can enhance the appeal of the surrounding area, making it an ideal location for new businesses and economic ventures. 
Stimulating Local Economy Through Events and Festivals

The riverwalk’s central location and appeal can make it a perfect venue for cultural and recreational events. Festivals, farmers' markets, outdoor concerts, and sporting events can generate substantial income for local businesses while increasing foot traffic and exposure for the area. These events also provide entertainment options that benefit the broader economy by encouraging people to stay longer, explore more of the local area, and spend more money in the local economy.  
Job Creation and Economic Diversification

The construction and ongoing maintenance of a riverwalk create a variety of jobs, from the planning and design stages to the physical construction and landscaping. Once completed, the riverwalk stimulates the local economy by attracting investment, encouraging the development of surrounding infrastructure and supporting new retail and service businesses. This economic diversification strengthens the resilience of the city’s economy, allowing it to thrive in a competitive and ever-changing global market.


 


The Riverwalk Feasibility Study aims to identify potential risks, costs, and challenges while assessing the opportunities and resources needed to extend the existing riverwalk from the Waterfront Park to the North Bath Boat Launch. This study will evaluate the technical, environmental, economic, and social factors that will help determine whether such a project is practical, beneficial, and sustainable for the community. The findings from this study will provide essential data and recommendations to guide decision-makers on whether to move forward with the riverwalk project, as well as how to design and fund it in a way that maximizes the benefits for everyone involved. 



August, 21, 2024 Neighbors Meeting

January 28, 2025 Neighbors Meeting
6:00 PM6:00 PM 
Bath City Hall AuditoriumBath City Hall Auditorium 
Concept Plans and Presentation by Project Consultant Gorrill PalmerUpdated Concept Plans
Q&A PeriodOpportunity for Public Feedback
Q&A follow up responsesPresentation
The presentationRecording
Meeting notes
Sign in sheet



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Benefits
Health

Health

A Boston University School of Public Health study published in 2022 found that adults who live in walkable neighborhoods were 1.5 times more likely to engage in adequate levels of physical activity, compared to adults living in neighborhoods with low walkability[1]  Just imagine the benefits if you were able to eat an apple AND get enough physical activity every day.

Social

Social

Survey results and anecdotal experience show that Bath residents value neighborliness and social connection to their community members a lot, which is a great thing. Social cohesion is a strong predictor of good mental health. Bath is welcoming, and quickly adopts newcomers. This is a unique and valuable quality of Bath worth nurturing. Creating an attractive gathering place for people to engage in recreation whether walking a dog, enjoying a sunny day after breakfast out with the family, or getting in a much-needed cardio session, where they see their familiar community members, will reinforce shared values of quality of place and social connection. Bath is both a location and its people. Riverwalk and neighborhood connector support both.

Equitable

Equitable

A wonderful aspect of the riverwalk is the low-barrier opportunity for enjoyment, no matter who you are. All someone would have to do is get to it – and this one would be nearby where thousands of people already are. The walkway would be a space for all - including community members with mobility restrictions or who need safe spaces where they can push a stroller. There’s a term in sociology, “Third place” which is a space other than work or home that people choose to be. Access to quality third spaces, especially ones that don’t have a cost associated with them, is increasingly important as more and more places are made unavailable or require a cost to enjoy.

 



Enviromental

Environmental

By no means least of the benefits is environmental. The US Environmental Protection Agency provides an exhaustive list of resources supporting the statement that; “Motor vehicle emissions contribute to ambient levels of air toxics known or suspected as human or animal carcinogens. Exposures to air toxics can also cause noncancerous health effects, such as neurological, cardiovascular, respiratory, reproductive and/or immune system damage.”* 

*

https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/oby.23634 






General Information
Phone Numbers
207-443-8363
Emergencies: Dial 911
Location
55 Front Street
Bath,
ME
04530

Monday - Thursday
7:30AM - 5:00PM