In 2024, The Maine Department of Transportation (MaineDOT) and The Schoodic National Scenic Byway applied to compete for a federal National Scenic Byways Program grant to build a visitor and recreation hub at the Sorrento-Sullivan Recreation Center on U.S. Route 1 in Sullivan.

This project would transform the existing recreation center site into a modern, ADA-accessible gateway for the 29-mile byway, with something for everyone: a covered timber frame picnic pavilion, a KIDS QUEST "Coastal Forests" educational trail, bike repair station, native pollinator garden, interpretive kiosks, free high-speed internet, and upgraded accessible restrooms. The total project cost is $1,000,000. The federal grant covers $800,000. The Town of Sullivan and other community organizations committed $100,000 and MaineDOT committed $100,000. Grant awards were delayed, but in May of this year two things happened.

1. The National Scenic Byways Program published an amendment to the Grant’s original Notice of Funding Opportunity.

2. MaineDOT on May 29th notified us they had to withdraw their $100,000 match funding commitment due to budget constraints.

Why we need your help:

We came to an agreement with MaineDOT to amend and resubmit the grant with $200,000 local match funding. Our chances for success are excellent given Maine’s great track record for receiving National Scenic Byway Program grants. But now we need to raise the other $100,000.

Thanks to our coalition of 24 local organizations, we are off to a good start. But we need your help to bring this important project to life.

If we are not selected for funding, all donations raised through this campaign will go directly toward building the timber frame pavilion and landscaping at the Sorrento-Sullivan Recreation Center. Either way, your contribution supports this community.

See our website for more information about the byway:

schoodicnationalbyway