LINKS & DOWNLOADS

Pondicherry Park Master Plan
[download pdf]

Pondicherry Park Map 
[download pdf]

Pondicherry Park Timeline
and Budget
[download pdf]

Upcoming Events & Hikes
View the LELT and LEA calendar of events

Image Gallery- 4 Season Park
[view the gallery]

Park Mission Statement
Pondicherry Park is a protected landscape of woods, wildlife habitat, wetlands and streams attracting people to low-impact recreation, education, and study—a unique public park in the center of Bridgton, Maine.

The aroma of rich soil and moss greet you as you step off the bridge. The fern fronds tickle your legs as you walk along the riverside trail.  The inviting pathway leads you deep into the park where you discover signs of beaver, deer, mink, pileated woodpeckers and spotted salamanders.  The distant sounds of civilization remind you that you are only a stone’s throw away from downtown Bridgton.

Pondicherry Park includes 66 acres of woodlands and streams in the heart of Bridgton. The land has been purchased, trails established, and amenities like benches and kiosks are under construction.

The great need now is to complete two pedestrian bridges so the park can be accessed from downtown. The main bridge, the Bob Dunning Memorial Bridge, will be located behind the Magic Lantern and Community Center on Depot Street. The second bridge, the Kendal C. and Anna Ham Charitable Foundation Bridge, is located behind the Stevens Brook Elementary School, allowing students quick access to the park for education and study. (The rampways for the Ham Bridge will be built soon.)

Activities such as hiking, snowshoeing, cross country skiing, fishing and nature observation are available to residents and visitors only seconds from downtown. Visitors can access the park at the South High Street entrance, across from the Bridgton Hospital (park in the hospital's back lot), or at the other two entry locations shown on the map (see attachment). The trails are marked as construction is taking place. Visitors must take caution and enter at their own risk.  

Loon Echo Land Trust and the Lakes Environmental Association have partnered to develop the park and gift it to the Town of Bridgton. Loon Echo will transfer the park to the Town and hold a perpetual conservation easement to protect the park’s tranquil beauty and quiet character.

Enjoy the timeless beauty of the park by following the use guidelines.
Park Use Guidelines
  • Visit quietly
  • Keep pets at home
  • Park bicycles/vehicles outside
  • Stay on marked trails
  • Refrain from feeding the wildlife
  • Leave plants and animals undisturbed
  • Carry out all that you carry in
  • Camping and campfires are not allowed
    Firearm use is illegal in the park (town ordinance)

You can be a part of this project by offering a gift of any amount.

To learn more about Pondicherry Park view the following attachments or visit Loon Echo Land Trust or Lakes Environmental Association.