This South Portland, Maine, Beach May Be Getting Too Popular For Locals

More than 20 years ago, a friend of mine introduced me to Willard Beach in South Portland. As a student at SMCC, she knew some of the side roads and an easy place to park within just steps of beach access.

I was blown away. The setting was calm with a backdrop of boats docked and the sounds of small waves lightly crashing against the sand. But the best part was there were so few people. It was nothing compared to Old Orchard Beach which I had always frequented.

Fast forward to last summer and I decided to make a nostalgic trip to Willard once again. In truth, I couldn't believe my eyes.

Willard Beach in South Portland Has Become the Beach of Choice For Many

Over the last decade or so, Willard Beach's popularity has skyrocketed for a pair of reasons. The first of which is proximity. As neighboring city Portland has grown in tourism, the closest real beach to the city is Willard.

The second appealing draw of Willard Beach is that you can park for free. Parking fees at other popular beaches nearby have doubled and tripled in a short amount of time. Meanwhile, between a free parking lot and some available side street spots, people can enjoy a day at a comfortable beach without having to shell out $30 or $40 dollars.

South Portland is Considering Ending Free Parking For Willard Beach

As the crowds go, many worry that Willard Beach has lost its 'local' feel. As a means of maintaining the integrity of the beach and perhaps regressing overcrowding, South Portland has considered a plan for paid parking.

According to the Portland Press Herald, a city councilor has once again proposed a plan that would allow residents to park for free to access Willard Beach while non-residents would have to pay a fee.

If that plan is eventually approved, it wouldn't take effect until next summer.