The National Park Service recently awarded two major contracts to complete the construction of employee housing at Harden Farm, a move set to add 56 new bedrooms to the park’s inventory and connect the site to Bar Harbor’s essential infrastructure. These awards represent a significant step in addressing the critical need for workforce housing for seasonal staff at Acadia National Park.
One contract, valued at $3.4 million, was awarded to McKenzie Construction and Site Development of Washington, D.C. This contract will facilitate the crucial connection of the Harden Farm site to the town of Bar Harbor’s sewer system, a vital infrastructure upgrade for the expanded housing facility. Simultaneously, a $7.4 million contract was awarded to King Construction of Machias, Maine, tasked with constructing an additional 28 bedrooms for park employee housing. This latest contract builds upon a previous agreement from September 2024, also awarded to King Construction, which initiated the construction of the first 28 bedrooms. Combined, these two phases will bring a total of 56 new bedrooms to the Harden Farm campus.
Superintendent Kevin Schneider highlighted the importance of these developments, noting that, with funding secured, "seasonal employees at Acadia will have a place to live." Schneider emphasized the direct impact on park operations, stating that Acadia National Park relies on employees for diverse and essential tasks such as cleaning and stocking restrooms, rescuing injured adventurers, managing visitor centers, and completing countless other duties necessary to keep Acadia "open and accessible." He further explained that the future housing at Harden Farm is expected to "make it possible for the best and brightest rangers" to accept positions in Acadia.
The construction at Harden Farm has been made possible through a blend of private donations and federal funding. Significant contributions include funds from Friends of Acadia, specifically from their "Raise the Roof" campaign, as well as a $2 million grant from the National Park Foundation. Federal support has also been crucial, stemming from the National Park Service’s Centennial Challenge and Housing Improvement Programs, alongside Helium Act funds.
Eric Stiles, President and CEO of Friends of Acadia, reiterated his organization’s commitment to the project. "Friends of Acadia is proud to partner with Acadia National Park," Stiles remarked, to help create attainable housing that supports the seasonal staff. He stressed that these employees are "essential to protecting Acadia’s resources" and welcoming millions of visitors each year. Stiles concluded that by "investing in the future of the park," the partnership supports the people who care for it, expressing gratitude to their members, the community, and the National Park Foundation for their support.
Lise Aangeenbrug, Chief Program Officer at the National Park Foundation, also voiced support for the initiative. She stated, "We're proud to support Acadia National Park and the Friends of Acadia" in their effort to address the need for employee housing. Aangeenbrug added that by working together, stakeholders can find "creative, local solutions to take care of the dedicated professionals" who care for national parks and create visitor experiences.
The Harden Farm property has a long history as a recognized potential site for workforce housing, with its suitability identified as far back as 1959. The site currently includes eight existing bedrooms that were constructed in 1960. Over the past several years, the National Park Service developed a comprehensive plan to significantly expand this capacity by adding the 56 new bedrooms on the Harden Farm campus, a plan now closer to full realization with these recently awarded contracts.
