Some South Portland residents seek a bigger park near Bug Light

PORTLAND PRESS HERALD • September 16, 2026

There’s a gravel parking lot with vegetation climbing up the surrounding fence. Nearby, the white petroleum tanks loom. There’s a cracked parking lot leading to a fenced-off pier. Where developers see potential, a small group of dedicated residents see a possible green space, what they call a Liberty Ship Memorial Park at Bug Light. They want to protect the shoreline, create a continuous path between Spring Point and Ferry Village and prevent development. The city doesn’t have the funds or resources to acquire private property in this area, but the City Council unanimously approved a resolution Tuesday that expressed conceptual support for the park.