Village Updates

Hours for New Playground & Basketball Court

More than 20 families have homes that ring Ruggles Park and I’ve been asked by a number of them to send a friendly message reminding Baysiders — particularly parents of young children — that the new playground and basketball court hours are from 8AM-9PM daily. 

The hours are in place to respect the various ways that people of all ages enjoy Bayside. The new playground is a wonderful magnet and everyone is thrilled at how popular it is with children. But please remember that the playground and basketball court open at 8AM — and the 9PM closing time is particularly important to area residents who cherish evening quiet time.

Also, if you would, please let your house guests and renters know that the hours for the Ruggles Park kids play areas are: 8AM to 9PM. 

Thank you!

Janae Novotny, President

Northport Village Corporation

This is a special and timely notice about bike safety in Bayside. Scenes of kids heading off on their bikes is a longtime village hallmark – whether they’re tearing down to the wharf, pedaling up to the Bayside Store for ice cream, or meeting up in Ruggles Park for a group activity.

And yet, already this summer, we are hearing of heightened concern about bike safety issues.
Recently, there was an alarming near miss involving a vehicle and children on bikes on Shore
Road – along a stretch that has some hills and blind spots.

STOP Means STOP
All bikers – young and not-so – need to STOP at STOP signs, but many children don’t. This is
especially important in busy, high traffic areas – including all streets leading to Ruggles Park.
Next time you’re around the park, watch how kids barrel down the hill on Maple St. and sail
right thru the intersection by Blair Realty. Our police officer is making a special effort to reinforce messages around bike safety – but he cannot be everywhere at once, as we know.

Wear a Helmet: It’s the law
Maine state law requires a bike helmet for anyone under the age of 16. Please click here for a
one-sheet note on Maine’s Bicycling Law, the attachment is a screen grab from the website of
the Bicycle Coalition of Maine (www.bikemaine.org).

Message from Safety Committee Chair, Michael Tirrell

All fireworks are prohibited in Bayside.  The Town of Northport’s Fireworks Ordinance states, “No person shall use, possess with the intent to use, sell, possess with the intent to sell, or offer for sale consumer fireworks within the geographic limits of the Northport Village Corporation.” 

In addition, state law and local ordinances severely restrict and/or require permits for fire pits and recreational fires.  Bonfires (fires larger than 2’ in diameter or with flames higher than 2’) require both a permit from the Town of Northport and permission from the NVC Overseers.  Please refer to the Fire Ordinance for specific information, which is available here. An informational  “Be Fire Smart!” brochure is available here.

The Tree Committee would like to share information on the Emerald Ash Borer present now in Maine. This spring, the NVC has partnered with Hawkes Tree Service to treat our ash trees with the goal of preserving our beautiful and prominent ash trees in our Bayside parks.

To understand more about the Emerald Ash Borer and how to best preserve your own ash trees, please use the following resources from the State of Maine.

https://www.maine.gov/dacf/php/caps/EAB/index.shtml

https://extension.umaine.edu/home-and-garden-ipm/fact-sheets/common-name-listing/emerald-ash-borer/

https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/MEDACF/bulletins/2e1a007

Road Encroachment Notice: November 11, 2021

Please visit the Governance Minutes page for an important message regarding village streets and roads.