Ocean Park Association
Mission:
The purpose of the Ocean Park Association is to affirm the traditions and spiritual heritage of which we are heirs, through a summer assembly program
- where Christian worship, principles and ideals are at the focus;
- where diversity is celebrated and the dignity of all is embraced and respected;
- where the natural beauty of our seaside resort is conserved and enhanced; and,
- where programs centered on religion, education, recreation and culture provide opportunities for individual growth and family enrichment
History:
Ocean Park, the geographical place, turns its face to the sunrise and to Saco Bay. Islands edge the bay from north to south (Bluff, Stratton, Eagle, Ram, Basket, Stage, and finally Wood.) At sunset the regular flashing of Wood Island light becomes a beacon across the bay.
Visitors have been coming to this bay since the days of the early explorers. Saco Bay was summer encampment of the Wabanaki (Abnaki) and other tribes who traveled from the headwaters of the Saco River in NH to enjoy the bounty of this beautiful area. Samuel de Champlain explored Saco Bay in 1605. John Smith dropped anchor offshore in 1614 and an expedition led by Captain Richard Vines wintered at the mouth of the Saco River in 1616.
Googins Rocks, the outcropping of rock visible at low tide between Ocean Park and Old Orchard Beach, was named in 1737 for Patrick Googins, son-in-law of an early settler, Richard Rogers, who established a home and apple orchard here in 1638.
All of Ocean Park is a State of Maine Game preserve and there are several walking trails through the cathedral pines. The plants and birds of Ocean Park have been widely cataloged. Adjacent to the community is a Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge
