Portland Harbor Common renamed First Light Commons

At its meeting on June 15, the Portland City Council will discuss approving First Light Commons as the official name for the city’s new waterfront community park. Public comment will be taken, and the public is encouraged to attend the meeting.

The name was chosen for its ability to evoke a public place in which all are welcome to gather and as a way to honor the historical and cultural significance of the Wabanaki and African American communities in this area. The public can learn more about the meaning of the name. The park has temporarily been referred to as Portland Harbor Common and is currently under construction.

The new park will consist of a public greenspace along the Eastern Waterfront, on a site currently occupied by the Ocean Gateway queuing lanes. The 3.5 acre site will be transformed into an area with walking and biking trails, trees, native plantings, lawn areas, hardscape areas for event space or food truck activation, lighting, playful features, and parking for nearby water dependent uses.

A community engagement campaign invited residents to participate by suggesting potential names for the new park. A public survey was open throughout the month of February and more than 325 submissions were received. The Naming Committee met four times between March and May to review the submissions from the public and those from Committee members. On May 13, the Naming Committee presented the Council’s Sustainability & Transportation Committee (S&T Committee) with the following name recommendations for their consideration:

First Light Commons

Portland Harbor Common

Freedom Commons

The S&T Committee voted to recommend sending First Light Commons to the full City Council for approval.

Members of the Naming Committee included Councilor Sarah Michniewicz, as the district councilor, Interim JDEI Director Masi Ngidi-Brown (City Manager designee), Director of Communications & Digital Services Jessica Grondin (City Manager designee), Parks, Recreation & Facilities Director Ethan Hipple, and Chad Johnston, Fire Chief.