History: The Camden Public Library was constructed on a high point of land in Camden, ME in 1928. The Amphitheatre was designed by Fletcher Steele and completed in 1931. Along with the Camden Library, which was designed by Parker Morse Hooper and Boston architect Charles G. Loring, it was designated as a National Historic Landmark in 2013.
Camden Harbor Park was designed by the Olmsted brothers, sons of Frederick Law Olmsted, who designed Central Park. The Harbor Park and Amphitheatre were gifted to the library in the early 1930s by Mary Louise Curtis Bok. In 2004 after years of planning, the park underwent a massive renovation that replaced dead trees and replaced broken benches. Today, the magnificence has been restored.
Highlights of Garden: The Camden Harbor Park is two acres overlooking the harbor in Camden, ME. Frederick Olmsted Jr. chose to recommend plantings that were native to Maine for the park. He used plantings to block the view of adjacent homes and businesses. Plantings include American arborvitae, juniper, and blueberry, along with old-fashioned shrubs such as weigela, lilac, and tree hydrangea. Beds of wild strawberries and wildflowers provide scents that fill the air as well as the popular roses. Benches are placed to encourage viewing the harbor and there is plenty of grass for picnics.
Events & Programs: The Amphitheatre is available for weddings, private parties, concerts, and other gatherings. Contact Dave Jackson at (207) 542-5801 or email him dpjackson@librarycamden.org. The complete guidelines are online. The dates unavailable are also online due to other events already scheduled.
Season/Hours of Operation: Camden Harbor Park is open year round.
Admission Fees: Events at the Amphitheatre will be individually priced. The gardens are free to enjoy at your leisure.
