LIMESTONE, Maine — For the first time in decades, students at Limestone Community School have a new and modern playground.
On Saturday, June 3, children from all grade levels were ecstatic as they finally enjoyed the slides, monkey bars, swings and climbing walls. Throughout May, they anxiously waited as Limestone-based Big Dog Construction assembled the equipment.
“I like the swings,” said sixth-grader Olivia Beaulieu on her favorite playground feature.
Limestone Community School’s former playground had been around since the 1970s and featured equipment that had been used on Loring Air Force Base, which closed in 1994.
The school was long due for an upgrade, Principal Ben Lothrop said. He and officials began discussing the possibilities in 2019 but $125,000 from federal COVID-19 relief monies helped spur the project forward.
Sixth graders Camden Dillon (left) and Rickey Rousell hang out at Limestone Community School’s new playground. (Melissa Lizotte | Aroostook Republican)
Limestone Community School committee member Amy Edgecomb (second from right) gets ready to cut the ribbon at the school’s new playground Saturday. Standing with Edgecomb (from left to right) are Limestone Select Board member Chris Durepo, Superintendent William Dobbins and Principal Ben Lothrop. (Melissa Lizotte | Aroostook Republican)
Saturday’s opening day turned out to be good timing, Lothrop said. The school was already in session half a day to make up a previous storm cancellation. Students played nearby outdoors until the big reveal later that morning.
A rather chilly morning did not damper everyone’s excitement.
“It’s awesome to see them out there playing,” Lothrop said. “They’ve been looking out their classroom windows all month, seeing it put together little by little.”
The playground was also a hit with parents who were thrilled to see new equipment at the school.
“It’s a nice addition and very well-deserved,” said Holly Beaulieu, Olivia’s mother.
Fifth grader Joey Doroen (right) plays the keyboards while first grader Skyler Shaw watches. Both enjoyed playing at Limestone Community School’s new playground. (Melissa Lizotte | Aroostook Republican)
Olivia Beaulieu, a sixth grader at Limestone Community School, enjoys the swing set at the school’s newly opened playground. (Melissa Lizotte | Aroostook Republican)
Prior to the ribbon cutting, Superintendent William Dobbins thanked members of the school and playground committees for their support of the project since its beginnings.
“I hope that students can enjoy this for years to come,” Dobbins said.
The playground will close this summer for grass planting and installation of a basketball court but will reopen when school begins in the fall.
