The National Park Service recently awarded two significant contracts to complete the construction of employee housing at Harden Farm, located in Bar Harbor. These agreements, announced on December 18, 2025, will bring the total new employee bedrooms to 56 and connect the site to Bar Harbor's municipal sewer system, addressing a critical need for seasonal staff accommodation at Acadia National Park.
One contract, valued at $3.4 million, was awarded to McKenzie Construction and Site Development of Washington, D.C., for connecting the Harden Farm site to the town of Bar Harbor’s sewer system. A separate $7.4 million contract was awarded to King Construction of Machias, Maine, to construct an additional 28 bedrooms for park employee housing. This second phase of construction by King Construction follows a previous contract awarded in September 2024 for the initial 28 bedrooms, bringing the total new housing inventory at Harden Farm to 56 bedrooms.
Superintendent Kevin Schneider noted that these housing developments are crucial for Acadia National Park's operations. He explained that seasonal employees are essential for tasks ranging from cleaning restrooms and stocking facilities to managing visitor centers and assisting injured adventurers, all of which keep Acadia accessible. Schneider stated that the new housing at Harden Farm will make it possible for "the best and brightest rangers" to accept positions within the park.
The construction at Harden Farm has been made possible through a combination of significant federal funds and generous donations. Funding sources include contributions from Friends of Acadia, specifically from their Raise the Roof campaign, a $2 million grant from the National Park Foundation, and allocations from the National Park Service’s Centennial Challenge and Housing Improvement Programs, along with Helium Act funds.
Eric Stiles, President and CEO of Friends of Acadia, expressed pride in the partnership with Acadia National Park, emphasizing the importance of creating attainable housing that supports the seasonal staff who make the park’s visitor experience possible. Stiles highlighted that these employees are vital for protecting Acadia’s resources and welcoming millions of annual visitors, asserting that they deserve a stable place to live. He added that investing in housing is an investment in the park's future and acknowledged the gratitude for members, the community, and the National Park Foundation for their support in the Raise the Roof campaign. Lise Aangeenbrug, chief program officer at the National Park Foundation, affirmed the Foundation's support for Acadia National Park and Friends of Acadia in addressing employee housing needs. Aangeenbrug emphasized the importance of collaborative, local solutions to care for dedicated professionals who maintain national parks and create visitor experiences.
Harden Farm has been identified as a potential site for workforce housing since 1959. The campus already includes eight existing bedrooms that were constructed in 1960. Over the past several years, the National Park Service developed a plan to expand the Harden Farm campus by adding the now-contracted 56 bedrooms of employee housing.
