By Joshua Archer
Staff Writer
LIMESTONE — The Limestone Country Club is in new hands. Saturday was the club’s ribbon cutting where new owner, Dean Kimball, took the reins.
The club’s previous owner, Craig Phair, had taken care of the grounds for 20 years. Golfers and recreation enthusiasts can expect a year-round facility ready to hold weddings, banquets and regular golf tournaments. A full country club license that means food and adult beverages will be available to patrons.
Contributed Photo
The Limestone Country Club celebrated with a ribbon cutting on Saturday. The business is now in the hands of owner Dean Kimball. From left, Vice President of the Limestone Chamber Nicole Butler, Club Owner Dean Kimball, Food and Beverage Culinary Arts Consultant Paul Hanson and President of the Limestone Chamber Michelle Albert.
Kimball said he has a three-year plan to restore the club to its original beauty when it was at its peak from 1978 to ‘94.
Throughout the summer golfers hold benefit tournaments every other week, Kimball said. And the club works closely with the Limestone Recreation Department and Chamber of Commerce to hold scavenger hunts, hayrides and their annual October Fest.
The club is part of the Maine Snowmobile Trail System and Kimball can’t wait to offer club services during the winter months. For those who want to stay warm during the winter chill the club offers indoor events and social activities such as cribbage and card games.
“Twenty-five percent of the actual business the club receives comes from its golfers, and the other 75 percent is utilizing the year-round facility for social functions and other recreation,” Kimball said.
Working alongside with the Loring Development Authority to restore the grounds, Kimball also has plans to take over housing property formally associated with the club.
If the three-year renovation goes according to plan, Kimball sees a future for the club’s archery range that’s been closed since 1994.
The club will be a part of the Limestone Fourth of July activities this Saturday and they will host a beverage area for adults 21 and over. In the morning golfers have the chance to take part in a red, white and blue nine-hole two-person scramble tournament. And new members of the club have the opportunity of grabbing a first-year membership at just $99, Kimball said.
