Gazebo will help transform town park

SANGERVILLE — Dreaming of warmer weather and the sounds of summer, the Sangerville Parks and Rec Committee has been working diligently to formulate a plan to develop the Sangerville ball field into something more. With the addition of the Wells property the town now has the opportunity to go from a just place where ball games are played, to a park that can be enjoyed both by the young and the young-at-heart.

With construction already underway for an additional multi-purpose field, the committee is now working to construct a large gazebo to begin the transformation of being “just a ball field” to instead a destination for all to enjoy. While the plans are grand, the committee also recognizes that the park must be developed in stages. Already, over $6,400 in financial support has been received from local businesses and individuals, with more pledged. Along with this, the committee has received just as much in the form of donated labor/equipment and supplies.

Once the gazebo is in place, the committee wants to establish monthly summer concerts as a way to bring the community together. It is anticipated that corporate sponsors will be found for each of these concerts. Also, discussions have centered on perhaps renting out the space for family reunions, business outings or maybe even weddings as a way to generate revenue to support further development of the park.

The committee is also in the process of researching grants that may be available to continue the upgrades needed to support the community building process. The Maine Community Foundation has grant funds designated specifically for Piscataquis County that would support this mission. And, there are also other resources/grants that would be available as the park evolves into a destination point.

With townspeople showing their support for the project at the annual town meeting, the committee is eager to get started. This is an opportunity to bring the residents together and share in everything that is good about living in Sangerville. To be a part of the committee or for more information, please feel free to contact the Sangerville Town Office at 876-2814 or Jimmy Bell, committee chair.

Photo courtesy of Maine Highlands Federal Credit Union
GAZEBO PROJECT DONATION — The Maine Highlands Federal Credit Union made a donation to the Sangerville Park gazebo project on April 6. Pictured is Jimmy Bell, committee chair, and credit union employee and Sangerville resident Shelley Blockler.