Foundation set for future waterside improvements
LIMESTONE, Maine — Local volunteers and Lowe’s employees donated their time Sunday morning to build a new playground at Trafton Lake as part of the home improvement chain’s “Heroes” project.
Irma Labreck, a longtime camper at Trafton, got the ball rolling by applying for the project. Once accepted, she approached the Limestone Selectpeople to see if they would match Lowe’s $2,500 donation.
“The Select Board was very generous,” said Labreck, “and they decided that they were not only going to match it, but provide $10,000 from the Trafton Reserve Fund. So we have $12,500 to build this playground, not to mention the free labor.”
Labreck says that, although she’s just a “small piece in all of this,” it is great to see everything come together.
With Limestone’s sizable donation, volunteers built an extended play area with a climbing wall, and a couple swings. They also built a dome climber and upgraded existing swingsets with new seats.
Labreck added that the preliminary groundwork should be mentioned as well.
“Groundwork was done by the Limestone Public Works Department,” said Selectperson Melissa Devoe. “The Selectboard, Rec Committee, and Trafton Lake Committee were all involved with this project, and support it 100 percent.”
“I am so excited about this,” said Labreck, “more than words can say. If I didn’t have people like Melissa and Fred backing me up, this would have died.
“The way I like to look at it, this is just the beginning,” said Limestone Town Manager Fred Ventresco. “After this, we need to do some things with the water to make it more hospitable to swimming and boating. We’re also going to be upgrading the campground area.”
Ventresco added that Trafton renovations have been on the table for a significant amount of time.
“When Irma did this, it was an opportune time for us,” Ventresco said. “We said it was worth the investment, and knew the playground set hadn’t had any attention for a number of years. It’s great to see someone, who is a longtime camper here, who cares about the campground and the park, step forward and do this.”
Shawn Dumais, manager of the Presque Isle Lowe’s, was on the scene early Sunday morning with a crew of employees and local volunteers.
The store manager explained that they receive about 20 to 30 local applications for the Heroes project each year, and make a selection by narrowing down submissions and having store employees vote on the best pick.
“This year we picked Limestone and it’s been great so far,” Dumais said. “The coolest thing about this is how much the Town of Limestone stepped up to make what we have, which is a big contribution, even bigger, and this is far bigger than anything we’ve ever been a part of.”
The Presque Isle Lowe’s helped an animal shelter last year, and built a playground in Perham for the previous year.
“This is a good way for Lowe’s to give back to the community that gives so much to us,” said Dumais. “We wouldn’t be around or successful without the community so it’s important that we give back.”
Mike’s Family Market and the Town of Limestone provided lunch for all participating volunteers, and the project also gave local students the opportunity to meet Community Service requirements.
According to the town manager, leftover funds from the project will go into renovating other aspects of the park, such as the restrooms or the lake itself.
Editor’s note: A grand opening ceremony for the playground will be held on Friday, July 29 from 6-9 p.m., in which the Rec Department will offer a bounce house and sell burgers, hot dogs, chips, and drinks.
