City Park Arboretum

PLEASE WATCH FOR THE NEW CITY PARK ARBORETUM WEBSITE AND BLOG COMING IN 2024. FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT THE CITY OF BELFAST PARKS AND RECREATION DEPARTMENT.

City Park Arboretum in Belfast is one of the only arboretums in the Midcoast area. Belfast’s City Park is a spectacular, 15 acre park designed in the early 20th century to be reminiscent of Central Park in New York, with winding lanes, groves of trees with pathways through the landscape. The park includes a beautiful ocean shore area and a stream running directly into the sea. The original trees are now towering and stately, and with many fascinating new trees added over recent decades as residents worked to create an arboretum. In 2015, Waldo SWCD began working with Friends of Belfast Parks, the City of Belfast, the Menig Trust and the Belfast Bay Watershed Coalition to bring the long held dream to fruition, adding an interpretive plaza, kiosk, map, educational materials, new trees, and labels for trees. The arboretum currently has over 300 trees of more than 80 species as well as amenities such as picnic areas, sports facilities and a trail. With the arboretum map, guide and signs, it is a wonderful place to learn to identify native and exotic trees that grow here.

In 2021, the District received a Canopy Grant from the Maine Forest Service to enhance the arboretum. The grant has enabled us to complete many of our learning resources for the arboretum and to plant new trees species. Six new trees were planted in June of 2021, and in May of 2022, ten more trees were added. The new plantings include climate appropriate adaptive species, disease resistant hybrids, urban street trees, and new native Maine trees. Trees lost to age and storms have been replaced. The new map and guide includes guided walks, tree information, and activities for children and teachers. Printed copies will be available in the park in October of 2022. Each year, tours of the arboretum are held, and you can request a tour for your group. Teachers can also work with us to plan learning experiences in the arboretum.

You can read our blog with seasonal observations about nature in the arboretum and stories of the trees (see posts below). You can also become an Arboretum Champion: volunteer, add your ideas, or just cheer us on! We’d love to have your help. Contact us to learn more.