To the editor:
When the Presque Isle Downtown Revitalization Committee decided to try and improve the Main Street by adding flowers, benches, and trash receptacles; little did we think things would have progressed to a point of such great collaboration among our businesses, civic groups, citizens, and our visitors. We have many things to be proud of in this community; our school systems and universities, hospitals and health care facilities, industrial park and airport, the mall and downtown businesses to name a few.
Now, we find that with a commitment from 67 percent of voters, city council and city officials; we will have a new community center and swimming pool along with a “splash pad” for all to enjoy! I say “Wow, all the volunteer hours and years of dedication to cleaning up some of the biggest eyesores of our community are finally paying off.” Thank you everyone.
The city of Presque Isle, our Star City, will soon shine again. This can only happen with the help of every person who takes pride in the community. Our city officials, as well as the Community Center and Downtown Revitalization committees, businesses, and numerous volunteers, are working very hard and will continue to do so until our city is proud and can provide the much needed facilities for our youth and all citizens. As you know, without the youth, there will be no future and the growth, economic development, and our most precious resources will migrate out. Many behind-the-scenes accomplishments have already been made.
We feel that the new Community Center and pool will absolutely enhance our whole region. Think back on the many memories of the rec center and pool. Most of us enjoyed after-school functions, sports, dances and met youth and teens from surrounding communities. It is also a great training ground providing our teenage youth with their first employment experience as coaches, swim instructors, art teachers and cross guards. Many of these young people have gone on to mentor future generations. Our children and for some of us, grandchildren have benefited from these community services. Shouldn’t the trend continue? Located in the heart of the downtown, along the banks of the riverfront, the new facility will provide social and recreational activities for all ages from youth to senior citizens, as well as enhance our city and provide a space for events for all of central Aroostook.
Every one of us should have a shared interest in the future of this community. It is time for us to accept this responsibility and help the generations to come by making a financial contribution to the Community Center/Swimming Pool project. Working together and keeping a positive attitude, we can do this! We are the hub of Aroostook and the pride of northern Maine. We want to stay the Shining Star, enrich our economic viability, create an attractive community and sustain a pleasant, welcoming destination … so, again I say, we can do this together! And remember, “It takes a village to raise a child”!
For more information about this project and others, check out the project website at www.picommunitycenter.com.
Patty Leblanc, board member
Presque Isle Downtown Revitalization
Presque Isle Community Center Project
