As a 501 (c) (3) not-for-profit organization, KBIA’s mission since 1910 has been to provide an exemplary enrichment program for children and to be a positive influence in the life and welfare of Kennebunk Beach and the Kennebunk-area community.

There is no better time then the 100th season to remember the Kennebunk Beach Improvement Association and its years of community service. One hundred years ago the Kennebunk Beach Improvement Association was established to educate young people about the importance of waterfront safety and the preservation of the Kennebunk Beach area. While KBIA has grown and changed considerably since its inception, the founding mission has remained steadfast and guided the growth of the organization for 100 years.

For 100 years the mission of KBIA has contributed to the economic vibrancy of the Kennebunks; a sustained preservation effort protecting the facility and adjacent land combined with a unique youth enrichment program continually attract seasonal guests, local residents and visitors to the Kennebunk Beach area. KBIA currently has over 300 family memberships and provides unique summer programming for over 500 children. In 2010 KBIA is working hard to appeal to even more members of the community by:

• Waiving the annual membership fee for Week 1.
• Providing new half-day bundled class options.
• Reducing waterfront program fees for the second year in a row.
• Partnering with the New England Aquarium to host a new Exchange Day program.
• Providing nearly $16,000 of scholarships to youth in the Kennebunk area.

Over the years, the organization has successfully limited and protected the Mother’s Beach area from commercial activities and development and made the KBIA facility inviting to the public – allowing everyone to enjoy and benefit from the spectacular surroundings.

• In the 1960’s KBIA supporters purchased an ocean-front bungalow known as the Dipsy Baths from a developer who had plans to convert the cottage to a pizza parlor. This structure is now known as KBIA’s Smith House. 
• While in season, KBIA offers guided tours of the Cove. Held at low tide, these tours focus on the preservation of the indigenous marine life and are open to the public.
• In the 1970’s, in an effort to avoid commercial development, KBIA supporters funded the development of the current ocean-front playground to ensure community use of the land. KBIA now owns and maintains the playground at Mother's Beach, which is open to the public throughout the year as well as two bathrooms that are open to the public while KBIA is in season. 
• The facility hosts charitable and non-charitable events for both KBIA and other local organizations. In addition to KBIA’s annual Road Race and Cove Swim, KBIA is partnering with the Ocean Conservancy and the Maine State Planning Board to conduct the first annual Beach Clean-Up in July 2010.
• For many years KBIA has owned a plot of land adjacent to the entrance of Strawberry Island and has protected the plot from any type of development.

KBIA is more than a summer establishment:

• During the off-season KBIA provides the Kennebunk Fire Department with its outboard motor boat for use in response to emergency calls on the water.
• Despite being a 501(c) 3 charitable organization, KBIA pays $25,000 in local property taxes annually.

All of us who have enjoyed even a day at KBIA owe a debt of gratitude to the founders of the association for their initiative and foresight. We also want to thank all of those who have helped KBIA become an established community contributor and beloved beach landmark. In honor of KBIA’s 100th Anniversary, we hope everyone with ties to KBIA will join us to honor and support the organization. KBIA also encourages and welcomes new members.

KBIA’s 100th Anniversary