Patrick Dempsey Commends KCT for preserving our special places

By Shelley Wigglesworth

For close to 50 years, the properties of The Kennebunkport Conservation Trust have served as popular destinations for countless people of all ages, abilities, demographics, and socioeconomic statuses. Actors and celebrities share the love and appreciation of our village and all the magical places here along with townspeople, tourists, and day trippers from near and far. Occasionally, a celebrity will decide to make Kennebunkport home, actor and Lewiston, Maine native Patrick Dempsey is one of them.

Best known for his role as Dr. Derek “McDreamy” Shepherd on the hit medical drama, Grey's Anatomy, the 55-year-old father of three agreed to speak to the Trust about his love of the area, the people here, his favorite locations, and why the properties of The Kennebunkport Conservation Trust are important to him.

When in Kennebunkport, Dempsey often utilizes the Trust properties for cycling, hikes and exploring. He shares the KCT vision and appreciation for conserving the natural beauty and vast spaces for all to enjoy. He explained why The Kennebunkport Conservation Trust is important to him. “It means a great deal to me that The Kennebunkport Conservation Trust land is being preserved and that the entire community has an opportunity to share 2,800 acres of our natural beauty. With the increasing development it’s more important than ever. The past is what gives us our future. I am incredibly grateful that the land and the architecture is being protected.”

When it comes to favorite locations to explore, without skipping a beat, Dempsey said, “Goose Rocks Beach, the islands, and Goat Island Light House.”  

Like most Mainers, Dempsey has a deep appreciation for nature and the outdoors. He credits this and his Maine upbringing in general, for grounding him when he needs it the most. He explained, “Maine has given me a powerful sense of values, traditions, and community. It has taught me independence and understanding. It is truly a special place. I think there’s an altruistic nature to most Mainers who have a real sense of giving back. Now that I have a place in Kennebunkport, I get to go back and connect to the land more. I have a place to center and reflect on where I’ve come from and where I’m going. It always brings up a lot of emotion and memories for me.”

It is not just the land here in Kennebunkport that Dempsey appreciates, he said the overall charm of the town and the warmth of the community members is what makes Kennebunkport so special, and his home here a good fit for him. “I always enjoy being home because of the people, the kindness, the openness. It’s nice to walk down the street and have someone look you in the eye and say, ‘good day to you,’ ‘good morning.,’ it’s the spirit of the town that I like the most.”

The Kennebunkport Conservation Trust would like to thank Carmella Petitt, Patrick Dempsey’s national public relations manager for facilitating this interview. We at the KCT appreciate Patrick Dempsey using his voice to highlight the importance of land conservation, access to nature, and preserving our natural world for the common good of all.