BAR HARBOR — The town of Bar Harbor has been awarded a $510,000 grant from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to clean up contaminated soil on a portion of the Mount Desert Island YMCA’s Park Street campus.

In 2021, the YMCA closed a section of its outdoor greenspace after “hazardous urban spill” was discovered and an environmental assessment confirmed unsafe levels of heavy metals and other hazardous compounds.

According to the town, the Brownfield Cleanup Grant will allow for the safe cleanup and revitalization of the area.

Town Manager James Smith called the award an important victory for Bar Harbor.

“This is a big win for Bar Harbor, and it reflects the incredible teamwork behind the scenes,” said Smith. “We’re grateful to the EPA and proud of the strong partnership between the Town, the YMCA, and our local and state collaborators. This funding helps us protect children, expand access to recreation, and invest in the community’s future.”

According to the town, the site will reopen as a safe, green space for youth programs, recreation and environmental education once it is restored.