News

Where the locals go
By Jeanne Adams

Southern Maine is an attraction for tourists, and New Gloucester and environs has its share of famous spots that visitors "from away" find charming. Pineland Farms, Sabbathday Lake Shaker Village, Maine Wildlife Park in Gray and Poland Spring Preservation Park are but a few. But there are still some spots that the tourists haven't discovered, and Outlet Beach is one.

Since the 1920s, families have made their way to a special swimming spot on Sabbathday Lake in New Gloucester. For most of those years the spot was known as Outlet Beach, but under the recent owners it was re-named Barefoot Beach. But new owner Becky Delaney, who purchased the beach mid-season last year, changed its name back to Outlet Beach.

"I think a lot of the local people know it by that name and it brings back memories," said Delaney. "The beach is an institution for many families. Last year we had people who had moved away who stopped by to say how glad they are that this is still here."

Delaney is working to enhance the amenities at the beach, while preserving its quaint charm. The shallow sandy beach is a great place for small children to swim with small slides for fun, while older kids can enjoy the floating dock with slide in the deeper water. The water is clean and clear
and several large mouth bass were enjoying the quiet before the swimmers arrived.

Delaney said that Sabbathday Lake is one of the few lakes left that hasn't been infiltrated by milfoil, and they adhere to strict boat inspections at their public boat launch.

Delaney, originally from New Jersey, moved to Maine eight years ago. She found herself working a 9-to-5 job in a cubicle and decided, "I needed something different. It's a seasonal business, but I can enjoy the beach year-round."

This is a mother-and-son enterprise. Delaney and her 15-year-old son, Ashton, will run the beach this summer, together, with help from friend Mike Cyr, who serves as all-around handyman.

Delaney invites everyone to come up for a swim and to enjoy some of her trademark strawberry shortcake. And why is it called Outlet Beach in the first place? The bridge to the beach crosses over the exact point where the Royal River begins its journey to the Atlantic Ocean.

Sidebar: Outlet Beach is located just off Route 26 on Outlet Road, New Gloucester. Eight miles from Gray Village. Open 7 days, 9 a.m. to sunset.