Exciting Changes at Dundee Park by Jon Bolduc

Soon, the excited cries of children splashing in the water will sound through Windham’s own slice of the Presumpscot River. Visitors to Dundee Park this
season will be greeted with a much needed renovation, a new bathhouse.

"The old building is getting an uplift," said the Windham Parks and Recreation director Brian Ross.
A 16-foot by 16-foot addition is currently under construction. The $59,000 renovations include a new unisex handicap bathroom, and the relocation of the office and storage area from the center of the building to the other side of the new addition.

The new bathroom is not the only change happening at the park. On top of the new bathroom, an 80-foot wheelchair ramp will be added to the bathhouse. Although now the ramp is only a concrete slab, it will eventually allow disabled residents full access to the facilities.

The bathhouse had not been renovated since it was constructed in the seventies, and did not meet the American Disabilities Act’s standards. However, with the addition of the ramp and the unisex bathroom, the bathhouse will finally be up to par.

“We’ll meet the requirements as far as access to the bathhouse,” says Ross.

Although visitors will be initially surprised by the changes and lament the loss of the giant tree that once loomed over the grounds, Ross is anticipating a smooth and eventful summer.

While the beach was closed several days last year due to low water levels and dam maintenance, Ross does not anticipate last year’s water level problems to resurface this season.

“The water levels in the river should be normal,” says Ross. “We’re expecting a return to a good summer.”
Those itching to visit the picturesque beach don’t have to wait very long. The beach will open for the first time on Memorial Day weekend, and will open permanently for weekdays on the 17th of June.

Thankfully, the changes this season only apply to Dundee’s facilities. Rates will remain the same as last year. Adult Windham residents will continue to pay $4 for admission, while children from two to twelve years will pay $2.

For those who want a full summer of fun, season passes to Dundee are available for purchase.
“We have season passes available at the Parks and Rec office,” adds Ross. Passes are also sold at the Town Hall.

An annual season pass to Dundee Park costs $45 for Windham residents, $25 for Windham seniors and $60 for non-residents. More information can be found on the Dundee Park Facebook page.