Popular Maine Beach Along Green Lake May Not Open To Public Again This Year

Jenkins Beach has been a popular summertime destination for many in Maine for over 80 years! Family-owned and run since 1940, the spot boasts over 200' of waterfront beach, retreats and rental cabins that sit along Green Lake in Dedham.

Joe Jenkins sold it to his daughter, Julie in April 2023. It was announced, on their Facebook Page, that the spot would be shutting down to the public as she and her husband would be making some major renovations to the aging structures on the land.

They finished first phase of renovations in July of 2023, but  the new owners said that they still had some more work to do.

It was announced just before August of 2024 that they would remain closed to the public for another year. 

Jenkins Beach via Facebook

On the website, jenkinsbeach.com they addressed the "rebuilding years" for Jenkins Beach, saying that there have been many improvements made and many more planned.

"In addition to completely revitalizing and modernizing the camps, we have also hired an environmental consultant to assist in our landscaping and cleanup plan that centers native flora, supports local fauna, and helps ensure the ecological health of the lake for the future."

"The beach includes over 200’ of sandy lakefront access. We have 34 canoes, kayaks, and paddle boards and multiple docks for guests to use."

"The entire property has high-speed WiFi coverage, the camps all have multiple SmartTVs, there is plenty of free parking, and we can accommodate EV charging as well."

As the summer months started to approach in 2025, many have wondered if this would be the year the couple would reopen the beach to public use. They have tried to spin the closure to the public as a way for guests who book private rentals to have "a unique experience of having a one-of-a-kind private beach on a lake" stay.

But with many not sure about what that meant, and voicing their confusion and concerns, the couple took to their Facebook page this week to directly address those inquiries, saying that they are also eager to have all the renovations complete. But the answers they gave have left many still wondering....

"We are still looking for ways to open the beach to the public in some capacity; Because we want to, not because we have to. We want people to be able to enjoy this beautiful spot because Jenkins Beach has been an important part of this community, and also because public access spaces are important to us. But it has become apparent from the questions that we should have been more clear about at least one thing: When and if the beach reopens to the public, it absolutely won’t be what it was. "

They said that due to issues of insurance, the installation of a new public compost-toilet and their capacity vs parking, they are going to be very thoughtful with when and how they reopen. The owners also said that they will be looking for ways to make the beach feel less chaotic (if you've ever visited Jenkins the past, you know it could get very crowded very quickly) and have a more peaceful vibe to it.

They went on to thank people for their patience, and for believing in the new vision they have for the space.

And while it may not be the clear cut answers fans of Jenkins Beach were looking for, from the sound of it, they are doing their best to make these needed upgrades in a timely manner.

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For updates on what's going on a Jenkins Beach, you can follow them online here.