ELLSWORTH — The Union River Sculpture Trail is entering a new phase of development, advancing a shared vision to transform Ellsworth’s Riverwalk into a vibrant destination for public art, outdoor recreation and community connection.
With early support from the Maine Office of Outdoor Recreation and continued funding from the Davis Family Foundation and the National Endowment for the Arts, the project is now moving into implementation, expanding access, installing public art and inviting community participation.
The trail will feature granite sculptures by Maine-based artists from the Schoodic International Sculpture Symposium, reflecting Downeast Maine’s landscape, quarrying heritage, and artistic traditions. Located along Riverwalk North, the project will create a 0.75-mile loop connecting downtown Ellsworth, the Union River and nearby neighborhoods, while strengthening access to Knowlton Park.
This project builds on decades of community vision and directly advances priorities identified in the City of Ellsworth’s Comprehensive Plan and Business Attraction Plan, supporting downtown vitality, recreation and economic development. A collaborative effort between Heart of Ellsworth, Schoodic International Sculpture Symposium, Frenchman Bay Conservancy, the City of Ellsworth and the Ellsworth Public Library, the initiative continues to position Ellsworth as both a cultural and outdoor destination.
“This project is about creating a space people can experience every day, whether that’s walking the trail, spending time by the river, or simply enjoying something new in our downtown,” said Roddy Ehrlenbach, director of Parks, Recreation & Facilities for the City of Ellsworth. “Expanding access and adding thoughtful amenities like the new trailhead helps make sure this is welcoming and usable for everyone in our community.”
“This project represents the intersection of everything we’re working toward at Heart of Ellsworth,” said Cara Romano, executive director. “It supports our local businesses by drawing people downtown, expands access to the outdoors along the Union River and celebrates arts and culture rooted in our region’s heritage. By connecting public art with outdoor recreation and our history of stone quarrying and sculpture, the Union River Sculpture Trail is a powerful example of how we can build a more vibrant, connected community.”
Initial sculpture installations are anticipated in fall 2026, with additional works and trail improvements continuing through 2028.
Community invitation
As the project moves forward, Heart of Ellsworth and its partners are inviting community members, businesses, and regional supporters to help bring the full vision to life.
The public is also invited to attend a Jane’s Walk, “Imagining the Riverwalk Sculpture Trail,” on Saturday, May 2 at 4 p.m., beginning behind the Ellsworth Public Library at the Riverwalk trailhead.
For more information or to get involved: Cara Romano, executive director, Heart of Ellsworth, at cara@heartofellsworth.org or go to https://www.heartofellsworth.org/riverwalknorthproject.
