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

The Kennebunk Beach Improvement Association was established 102 years ago 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 has guided the growing organization.

For 102 years, the mission of KBIA has contributed to the economic vibrancy of the Kennebunks. We have preserved and protected the facility and adjacent land while continually attracting seasonal guests, local residents and visitors to the Kennebunk Beach area with its unique youth enrichment program. KBIA currently includes more than 300 family memberships and provides unique summer programming for more than 500 children. In 2011, KBIA appealed to even more members of the community by:

• Building a new bigger, better, safer and handicap-accessible pool;
• Waiving the annual membership fee for Week 1;
• Providing half-day bundled class options, including an afternoon option;
• Partnering with the New England Aquarium to host another Exchange Day program; and
• Providing over $18,000 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. KBIA has also made the area and facilities more inviting to the public – allowing everyone to enjoy and benefit from the spectacular surroundings.

• In the 1960s 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 1970s, 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 second annual Beach Clean-Up in July.
• 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 its 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 101st year, we hope everyone with ties to KBIA will join us to honor and support the organization.

Pass it on
KBIA encourages and welcomes new members. As KBIA enters a new century, the Board of Directors asks everyone whose family has benefited from this unique organization to consider "passing it on" in 2012 so that future generations may enjoy many more magical summers at KBIA. For more information regarding how you can donate, please visit Support Us.