By Diane Hines
Houlton Rotarian
HOULTON — On Monday May 11, the Houlton Rotary Club held its regular weekly meeting. Jane Torres, vice president, opened the meeting. After greetings and the signing up for jobs to organize the Student Recognition Luncheon at St. Mary’s church, which will take place on May 18, Jon Harbison introduced his guest.
Contributed photo/Diane Hines
ROTARY GUEST — Marie Carmichael, left, Houlton’s Recreation Director, was the guest speaker at the Houlton Rotary Club on Monday, May 11. She gave an update on the playground project. With her are Rotarians Jon Harbison and Jane Torres.
Marie Carmichael of the Houlton Park and Recreation Department treated Houlton Rotarians to an update concerning the playground at the Houlton Community Park. First, Carmichael expressed her gratitude for the Houlton Rotary’s continuous financial support of the project.
Some people in the audience could remember using the old playground as children and many in the audience remembered taking their own children there to play. In 1987, Carmichael said that the effort began to add to and update the old playground. A total of $20,000 was raised that qualified for matching grants giving $40,000 to the cause.
She then fast forwarded her report to the year 2008 when she observed that the playground was looking very sad and well used and was considering a new renovation. Upon consulting with then Code Enforcement Officer Wade Hanson, the town looked deeper into the concept and decided to begin an effort to invest in new equipment.
A committee was formed and funds were sought with Houlton Rotary contributing as well as other people. Organized fund raising such as the annual Halloween Party, the Santa Party, dances for kids, and other events contributed over the years. More than 30 businesses, 20 families, and six organizations have donated.
Houlton Rotary donated in 2012 and again this past year. With help from Lori Weston, then-economic development director for Houlton, a matching grant of $50,000 came through after several applications. Carmichael reported that $108,000.00 is the total amount that has been raised which will cover the cost of the equipment and hopefully leave a contingency fund for maintenance.
She mentioned the “out with the old, in with the new” concept as the old playground was taken by the Military Street Baptist Church to be restored for their purposes.
On June 6, installation will begin with the digging of post holes, thanks to Brent Dickison and his post hole digger, and to assemble the playground. A layer of chips will be spread to a depth of 12 inches. Volunteers are needed to assist in the effort, which will hopefully take one day, but could spill over into Sunday, June 7.
In the question and answer period of Carmichael’s presentation, Rotarians learned about the bid process and the decision to choose the equipment from Miracle, a certified company in Maine. She also explained how all of the playground equipment will be “down below” by moving the toddler structures there, with the removal of a few trees to accommodate this. Some standards of playground equipment have changed but there will be plenty for the children to do.
The area can handle potentially 135 kids. She said the wading pool and swing sets will remain. The summer parks and rec program will use the area. Carmichael added that any volunteers present to help on June 6 and possibly June 7 will be fed. Rotarians who volunteer are encouraged to wear their “Rotarian At Work” tee shirts.
