York’s not-so-hidden gem: Town may take over stewardship of popular park Steedman Woods

YORK, Maine — A piece of land long used as a public park is being transferred to the town’s ownership pending approval at a future referendum.

The 17 acres known as Steedman Woods have been a public park since 1966 and in the care of the Old York Historical Society. Now, the Historical Society, in partnership with the York Land Trust, is handing the property over to the town at no cost so it can use its municipal resources to better care for it.

Steedman Woods, which many access by crossing the historic Wiggly Bridge, has become increasingly popular with out-of-towners and the expanding population of York, the two organizations said in a press release this week. Neither the Historical Society nor York Land Trust has the resources to keep up with wear and tear from the increased use.

“The town, however, has a professionally-staffed Parks and Recreation Department that manages several parks,” the press release states.

Town officials are working with the Historical Society to finalize a proposal for the transfer that could go to voters in either November or next May, according to Selectboard Chair Todd Frederick. His board heard from the Historical Society at its May 6 meeting and responded positively to the proposal.

Joel Lefever, executive director of the Historical Society, said handing the park over to the town “ensures the ongoing health and safety of this beloved property.” The Steedman family, who turned the land over to the Historical Society 46 years ago, said they are glad the land is on its way to being cared for by the town.

“For some time now, the family has urged Old York Historical Society and York Land Trust to find a formula (to pay for the upkeep),” Charles Steedman said. “We are happy with the result and hope the voters will agree in November.”

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Steedman Woods intended for public use in York

Public access to the park has long been a goal of the Steedman family, who once owned the land. The town voted in 1966 to maintain the causeway to the property and the Wiggly Bridge. In exchange, York residents were granted a permanent easement to traverse the land from owner C. Richard Steedman.

When he turned the property over to the former Old York Historical and Improvement Society in 1978, he specified the 17 acres were a “preservation area for use and enjoyment of the inhabitants of York.” The 1978 deed includes restrictions preventing Steedman Woods from being developed for any purpose other than a nature reserve. In 1984, the Improvement Society transferred ownership to the newly formed Old York Historical Society.

The land includes pedestrian pathways and has several activities that are prohibited to ensure it is preserved. The deed prohibits activities like camping, picnicking, swimming and motorized vehicles, as well as establishing additional paths and parking lots or building structures on the property. Fees charging for town inhabitants to use the woods are not allowed either, according to the deed.

“Steedman Woods is a treasure in the town of York,” said York Land Trust Board President Jared Chase.

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Ownership transfer ensures Steedman Woods' future

Today, Steedman Woods has grown in use and has seen significant pedestrian traffic, off-leash dogs, mountain bikers and kayakers. This has led to disturbances in the fragile mudflats, and the park has seen vandalism of signage, according to the Historical Society and York Land Trust.

“The biggest change over the years is the tremendous increase in visitation and use of Steedman Woods,” Chase said.

Also, a challenge to the park is climate change, according to Chase, and the spread of invasive plants that threaten the biological and scenic viability of the iconic property.

The Historical Society’s mission does not include caring for parks, but rather preserving and interpreting historical collections and properties with historical structures. If voters approve the transfer of land, Historical Society leadership says the town will be better equipped to provide care for the property while the York Land Trust offers support and oversight.

“This proposal ensures the ongoing health and safety of this beloved property,” said Lefever, “And reinforces our community’s commitment to maintaining it as directed by C. Richard Steedman, ‘for the use and enjoyment of the inhabitants of York.’”

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This article originally appeared on Portsmouth Herald: York’s not-so-hidden gem: Town considers stewardship of Steedman Woods