Locals spearhead Houlton’s $1.5 million park projects

Houlton Pioneer Times Photo/Elna Seabrooks
BREATHTAKING VIEWS — Overlooking the Meduxnekeag River, 35 feet high from the ground level to Highland Ave., is a staircase with 59 steps. About half are available for sponsorships at $250 each. See story on Page One B.
More sponsors needed in final phases
By Elna Seabrooks
Staff Writer
    HOULTON — It took about $1.4 million so far in grants and gifts from community sponsors, businesses and individuals to transform a once overgrown lot in the heart of Houlton into a popular destination for tourists and locals. Continuing improvements edge up the expenses for Riverfront Park as it continues to  evolve into a premiere nature museum, park and recreation space.
    Bob Anderson, chairman of the Riverfront Committee said it was around 1999 that a vision crystallized to create Riverfront Park as 10 acres of green space. “It was overrun with bushes, burdocks, weeds and even a vacant building,” said Anderson who, with the committee, is looking for additional sponsors to complete the vision.
Sponsorships for giving
    Anderson said a balance of about $18,000 remains in payables on several park projects including steps leading from the trail to the Highland Ave. Bridge, lampposts, trail improvements and new signage. Coupled with fund-raising plans for a public restroom, a meeting room, more landscaping, paving for trails, a labyrinth and a rain garden, the fund-raising goal rises to about $150,000. That takes the park into the $1.5 million territory of first-class recreation spaces.
Houlton Pioneer Times Photo/Elna Seabrooks
SCENIC BEAUTY — With the life-size 1,700 pound bronze moose sculpture as a backdrop, Don Collins, left, and Bob Anderson check out signage that details points of interest in Houlton’s Riverside Park.
    With a six-figure target to pay off outstanding bills and to continue progress that started a decade ago, Anderson said more than a few opportunities remain to join the list of corporate and individual sponsors. “We have lots of areas of giving in terms of step sponsorships. We have pavers that we can sell. We have sponsorships for lighting that goes along the trail, we have sign sponsorships. So, there are several avenues of giving,” explained Anderson.
Houlton Pioneer Times Photo/Elna Seabrooks
COMING SOON — New signs with information specific to Riverfront Park and the area are being developed for strategic placement in the park.
    The staircase, overlooking the Meduxnekeag River is 35 feet high from the ground level to the top. Fifty-nine steps have been spaced at intervals with a total of seven landings. Anderson said already project backers have paid for the two large landings that go for $2,000 each. However, small landings go for $1,000 and about half of the steps are available at $250. Pavers at the entrance to the Gateway Bridge are $100 and $200; lamppost sponsorships are $500. Additional storyboard signs cost $5,000. Corporate and individual contributors are recognized with commemorative plaques at the respective site they have supported.
Tax-deductible donations
    Don Collins is chairman of Vital Pathways which is the umbrella organization through which tax-deductible donations can be sent. “Several people have made significant donations in the past and that has enabled the park to become a reality. Now only a small percent will bring this to full fruition,” said Collins.     “One of the pieces is a group of nine signs that talk about some of the things that are indigenous to the riverfront in general, and this park in particular as well as our area. So, the signs talk about history, about mammals, watersheds, insects, mills, natural species and even the Houlton Water Company history. There are nine different subject areas on these new signs that we are putting up. So, that’s going to be informational,” Collins explained.
    The Houlton Rotary Club, the Town of Houlton and Dickison London, Inc. in addition to various state agencies and foundations have sponsored new storyboards. Anderson said new signage is intended to go along the pedestrian trail between the two bridges.
A hub for trail use
    “We are ramping up to link snowmobile, ATV, walking and biking trails from surrounding areas so they can access downtown Houlton,” said Collins who added that people could come in at different points. “We are working with USDA on creating a bigger map, a multi-use map,” Collins said.
Houlton Pioneer Times Photo/Elna Seabrooks
COMPLETED STEPS — Steps with lamppost lights provide access to and from the path along the Meduxnekeag River.
Anderson pointed out that the intention is to have “a complete trail system around the town of Houlton that would have its head end here in Houlton. Another piece of the trail project is to pave the trail for roller blading and wheelchair accessibility. But, other priorities are ahead of that.” The two men agree that payment on completed work takes precedence.
Moose statue a draw
    A continuing popular highlight of the park is the picnic area and the moose statue. “A lot of people enjoy coming here for lunch,” said Collins. The 1,700 pound 10-foot high bronze moose sculpture created by Hammond artists Glenn and Diane Hines remains a focal point near the entry of the park. Originally on loan for three years with two years still to go, Collins said the hope remains that enough private donations will pour in to buy the statue.
    “At the tourist information booth one of the most frequently asked questions by tourists who come off I-95 is ‘where can I go to see a moose?’. Now, they direct them to Riverfront Park,” said Collins.
    For more information on sponsorships, contact: Chelsea Henderson at 532-2291 or Wade Hanson at 532-7111.