One of the best things about moving to Maine three years ago has been the opportunity to share the area's sandy beaches with my dogs. Jack and Rose are the most joyful when they are running on the beach. No other activity makes them as happy and there is no place they would rather be than at their favorite place, Goose Rocks Beach (GRB).
Unfortunately, several home owners have sued the Town of Kennebunkport to prevent public access to the vast majority of Goose Rocks Beach. This turn of events is distressing to me on so many levels.
As a resident of Kennebunkport the thought of losing access to one of the town's best assets makes me question whether I would want to continue to live here. I also nervously wonder what will happen to my home's value and appeal should I decide to move.
As a shop owner in Kennebunkport, I think about all of the visitors who flock to Southern Maine in large part because of the beautiful beaches. If these people are not allowed to enjoy GRB as they have for so many years in the past, they will find other destinations for their family vacations and romantic getaways. If these visitors don't come, what will become of our hotels, restaurants and shops and the people who work in them?
As a dog owner, it makes me really sad to think Jack, Rose and I would never be welcome again to take a long walk on Goose Rocks Beach. Our GRB adventures would just be memories of eight paws and ten toes in the sand.
As a resident, shop owner and dog owner, I support the Save Our Beaches organization and its efforts. Save Our Beaches is a group of concerned citizens whose goal is to maintain the long established history of public access and use of Goose Rocks Beach for recreation and enjoyment.
This issue impacts not only local residents but residents in coastal communities throughout the country as well as anyone who enjoys visiting our country's beautiful beach towns. If this happens here, it can happen (and has happened already) in other coastal communities.
Don't bury your head in the sand! Lend your support by visiting the Save Our Beaches, website at http://www.save-our-beaches.org and Facebook page.
