Cherryfield Community Gets a Sneak Peak of Construction At Cable Pool Park

By Alice Hotopp, Fisheries Assessment and Science Communication Specialist

August 4, 2026

Last week, the Cherryfield community got a behind the scenes look at the construction happening at Cable Pool Park.After the construction crew had wrapped up for the weekend, about 50 people came to the site for the first of a series of community tours. Visitors had the opportunity to check out progress made on demolition of the dam, stand on a bridge over the new bypass channel, and talk with project partners.

A look at the bypass channel with the partially-removed timber crib embankments in the background.

While visiting the park mid-construction was less peaceful than normal on a summer afternoon, visitors were palpably excited to see the progress made on the site so far. People asked questions about the construction timeline, if and how we expect the river to change after construction, and where the new park amenities like the natural play area and outdoor classroom will be located.

As of the day of the tour, the crest of the dam had been breached and the timber-crib embankments had been partially demolished. The timber of the embankments, which had been soaked in creosote when the dam was built, will be taken to a hazardous waste landfill after demolition. The smell of creosote still lingered in the air during the tour, a reminder that the replacement of the dam will remove a significant source of pollution from the river.

Ellie Mason, DSF’s Habitat Restoration Project Manager, shows visitors an artist’s rendering of how the nature-like fishway will appear after construction is complete.

I spoke to several Cherryfield residents about their thoughts about the project, including Ben York who used to love fishing for salmon at the Cable Pool. He told me a story about catching a salmon in 1980, the same year his daughter graduated from high school, and serving it to company for dinner that same evening. Ben told me that the fish was 11 pounds, 3 ounces—an amazing detail to remember from 46 years ago! When I asked him about his thoughts on the removal of the dam, Ben told me that he thinks the project will be great for the town, making ice control possible while improving passage for fish.

Ben York at the construction site, just upstream from where he used to fish for salmon.

I also talked with Ed Labore Jr. and Sue Hennessy, long-time Cherryfield residents, while looking over the bypass channel. Ed thinks the project will be “a beautiful addition to Cherryfield” and appreciates how the town, especially kids, have been taken into consideration while planning the project and park improvements. Sue told me she is “thrilled”, saying that the project will help the fish and provide a beautiful place for people to gather.

Sue Hennessy and Ed Labore Jr. next to the bypass channel.

Downeast Salmon Federation and project partners will be hosting community tours of the construction site monthly between now and October. All are welcome to join us at our next scheduled tour on Friday, August 28th, from 4-6 pm!

Not able to make it to our first tour but curious to know more? Watch this video of Jacob van de Sande, one of our project partners from Maine Coast Heritage Trust, giving a quick overview of the construction completed as of July 31, 2026: