Hospital supports local playground

Representatives from The Aroostook Medical Center recently presented their donation of $5,000 to support the Riverside Park Community Playground Project. Taking part in the presentation were, from left: Rotarian Daryl Boucher, TAMC director of emergency services and acute rehabilitation; Glenda Dwyer, TAMC vice president of operations; Carla Cambridge of the Kiwanis Club of Presque Isle; Rotarian Greg LaFrancois, TAMC president; Rotarian Sarah Ennis; Rotarian Jay Reynolds, MD, TAMC chief medical officer; Rotarian Jane Towle; Jamie Guerrette, Kiwanis member and TAMC community health specialist; and Martin Puckett, Presque Isle city manager. (Courtesy of The Aroostook Medical Center)

PRESQUE ISLE, Maine — As part of its ongoing commitment to community wellness, The Aroostook Medical Center has donated $5,000 to support the Riverside Park Community Playground Project in Presque Isle, becoming the first donor at the “Crusader” level of the project.

“We are proud to be able to help with this effort,” said TAMC President Greg LaFrancois.  “TAMC supports projects that promote healthy lifestyles.  It is our hope that this project will get families out of the house and engaged in exercise.  Childhood obesity is a problem in Aroostook County.  Fun activities that improve fitness go a long way towards a solution.”

The Presque Isle Rotary Club, the Kiwanis Club of Presque Isle, the City of Presque Isle and the United Way of Aroostook are collaborating on the project.

“This collaboration has been amazing.  Hopefully this is the first of many collaborative projects between these like-minded organizations,” said A.J. Cloukey, who represents Kiwanis on the Riverside Park Playground Committee.  “The support of the community and organizations like TAMC only assist in bringing everyone together.”

The playground at Riverside Park, near the Sargent Family Community Center, needs new gear as the former equipment was over 40 years old and was becoming a safety hazard. A new, modern playground will include handicap-accessible options to meet the needs of all local children.

A minimum of $100,000 is needed to proceed with the playground project, with additional levels offering the ability to add more pieces of equipment.  The desire is to reach level 4, for a total of $250,000.

“What a wonderful donation and way to support keeping kids active in our community,” said Jason Parent, co-chair of this year’s Presque Isle Rotary Auction, of the TAMC donation.  The funds from this year’s Rotary Auction are designated to support the Community Playground Project.

Businesses, organizations and community members are invited to make a donation at any level to support the Community Playground Project.  Donations can be made during the Rotary Auction on Saturday, December 16, from 12:00 noon until 7:00 p.m. either at the Rotary Store in the Aroostook Centre Mall or by calling 207-554-5153.  Donations can also be mailed to the City of Presque Isle, Attn: Playground Project, 12 Second Street, Presque Isle, ME 04769.