UPDATE:
If you missed our community forum you can watch the recording here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ttUOAJlx0jg
At the Friends of Payson Park community forum, we discussed the proposed music festival. The organizers shared their plans, and the meeting featured open feedback from community members. Check out the video to see what everyone had to say and the concerns raised about the event's potential impact on the park.
We've heard from some of you how bummed you were to miss the meeting. If you want to share your opinions, or ask questions about the proposed festival here are some options:
Attend the Upcoming District 4 meeting. Stay tuned for that date.
Keep your eyes and ears peeled for another community forum.
Reach out to your councilors directly as they are who will vote to approve (or not) the event.
Pious Ali: pious@portlandmaine.gov
April Fournier: afournier@portlandmaine.gov
Roberto Rodríguez: rrodriguez@portlandmaine.gov
Anna Bullett (District 4): abullett@portlandmaine.gov
Hey Payson Park Neighbors and Supporters,
We heard from our district councilor (Anna Bullet) this Wednesday (9/25) that a new concert organizer (GoodWorks Entertainment + ShoreSound Entertainment) has submitted a permit to hold a two-day music festival in Payson Park in August of 2025.
One of our Friends of Payson Park members, Ashley, had a chance to meet with them on Thursday (9/26) to learn more about their vision for the festival and share a bit more about how the park is used, along with the range of feedback we received last time the Friends of Payson Park engaged with a potential festival in the park.
As the Friends of Payson Park, we serve as stewards of the park, working to protect, preserve, and enhance the park while ensuring that any changes or events respect the community’s needs. We strive to facilitate open dialogue between the community, event organizers, and city officials, ensuring that the park remains a safe, accessible, and cherished space for everyone to enjoy.
Please read on for meeting highlights and action items!
Local Partnership
The concert organizers are partnering with the State Theater. They suggested they would also like to include local musicians, artists, and vendors.
Community Support
Through the cities fee and a portion of ticket sales, the festival intends to support a capital improvement project in the park (TBD) and local charities. Scale and details have not been finalized as of yet.
Community Engagement
The organizers have expressed a strong desire to work with the community and are happy to participate in a public meeting to share their plans directly and gather feedback. FoPP will be planning a Zoom community meeting in the coming month once we can organize a date that works for everyone involved.
As our district councilor Anna mentioned in her email, while the decision ‘ultimately rests with the council and Parks & Rec,’ it is important for the community to get involved in the planning process and share feedback. We encourage you to share any questions, comments, concerns, or support that you have.
Event Size and Park Access
This festival will be smaller than the previous C3 proposal. Importantly, access to all sports fields will be maintained, except for the little league fields. The organizers are considering including the playground within the festival boundaries to allow kids attending the festival to use it, but they are open to feedback on that point.
The park area used for the festival would be fully closed for only the two days of the festival, with six days of setup beforehand and 3 days of breakdown afterward where the full park will be open to the public.
Noise Control
The event would run from noon to 10 p.m. Speakers would be pointed away from residences. Sound checks will be conducted leading up to the festival to ensure the setup works well with the community.
Parking and Transportation
The organizers are in talks with Greater Portland Metro and will be reaching out to local schools, churches, and Thompson's Point to try and arrange off site parking with shuttle services options. They’re also encouraging biking and plan to provide a valet bike parking service.
Ticket Accessibility
Discounted tickets may be available for hyper-local residents, and tickets will be free for children under 12. Ticket pricing has not yet been determined.
Environmental Considerations
The organizers say they will take full responsibility for repairing any park damage. For any necessary repairs, they plan to hire a local landscaper to restore the park to its previous or improved condition.
Water filling stations will be provided to cut down on plastic trash. Food containers will be compostable. Plans for trash management were not discussed.
Next Steps
Read over their proposal included below.
Take a moment to share any thoughts you have so we can make sure your voice is heard.
Stay tuned for the community meeting and please join us on Zoom if you can. Follow us on Facebook or join our newsletter to get the park updates.
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