Staff Writer
PRESQUE ISLE — The park at Arnold Brook Lake, once managed by the city of Presque Isle, is now being maintained by the Star City ATV Club, thanks to an agreement between the city and the club that was formalized in a gathering at the site July 29.
Staff photo/Kathy McCarty
A PLACE BY THE LAKE — The Star City ATV Club now has a home with a view that would make most folks jealous, following an agreement between city and club officials for the club to take over management of the park at Arnold Brook Lake in Presque Isle. Gathered for the formal ‘turning over’ of the site from city control to the club are, from left: City Manager Tom Stevens; SCATV Board member Bonnie Wilcox; Chris Beaulieu, director, Presque Isle Parks and Recreation Department; SCATV Board member Carl Wilcox; Ed Nickerson, City Council chair; City Councilor Ron McPherson; SCATV Club President Richard “Dick” Howlett; Sadie Billings, SCATV secretary; and Harold Decker, SCATV vice president.
City Council first heard of the club’s interest in taking over the park during its June meeting. At that time, City Manager Tom Stevens advised councilors that Chris Beaulieu, director of the Parks and Recreation Department, had been in contact with Dick Howlett, SCATV Club president, with regard to the club maintaining the area.
“The SCATV Club would be interested in maintaining the area — an area we no longer maintain,” said Stevens.
Stevens said plans had been discussed for the club to upgrade the existing building to create a larger clubhouse.
“They’re (SCATV) aware the city doesn’t maintain access and that it’s only seasonal,” said Stevens, noting the existing tarred road leading into the park would eventually revert to gravel.
The city would retain ownership of the property, allowing the club use of the building and grounds at no cost, said Stevens.
Councilors agreed with the plan, voting in favor of the club taking over control of the site, subject to any minor changes by the SCATV Club, Stevens or Hugo Olore, the city’s attorney. The lake and park were originally created in the early 1970s for public recreation.
“The public will still be able to access and use the park. It will just be maintained by the club and not the city,” said Stevens, adding the park has not been used by the public on a regular basis for some time now and budget issues had resulted in the city’s decision to stop maintaining the property.
“This will save up to $8,000 in maintenance costs for the park itself. The city will still mow and maintain the entrance to the park,” said Beaulieu.
Gathered July 29 to make it official were: Stevens; Beaulieu; Howlett; Council Chair Ed Nickerson; Councilor Ron McPherson; Harold Decker, SCATV vice president; Sadie Billings, SCATV secretary; and SCATV Board members Bonnie and Carl Wilcox.
Since Council’s June decision, the club has been busy working with landowners to acquire permission to create a connecting trail from the Houlton Rd. area to the site.
“The trail that comes by The Sled Shop and Budget Traveler now continues all the way to Arnold Brook Lake, cuts across the dam and into the park,” said Howlett.
For the past couple years, the club has been looking for a building or property to build on for use as a permanent clubhouse. The agreement provides the club not only with plenty of land to hold ATV functions but a building suitable for club meetings. Plans for the property including enlarging the existing structure at a later date.
Billings said a number of activities have already taken place at the lake.
“We held Ultimate ATV Events at the lake, including a bonfire. We’ve had rides to the site,” said Billings.
Stevens saw this as a great opportunity to promote tourism.
“This is a great partnership (between the city and SCATV Club). We’re (city officials) pleased to help” promote the sport and tourism, said Stevens.
Howlett said plans are already in the works to extend the trail west.
“Now that we have the trail to the lake, we’re working on a link with Chapman,” said Howlett.
Billings said she the structure at the lake has potential.
“It’s gorgeous out here. We can remodel the building, create a kitchen area, meeting area,” said Billings, as she gazed out over the water, the University of Maine at Presque Isle’s wind turbine visible above the treeline on the opposite side of the lake. “It’s such a beautiful spot. I can’t believe our luck.”
“This shows how much the Council and Tom value the SCATV Club,” said Bonnie Wilcox.
Howlett said club plans include renting the property for special occasions.
“Once we get the building set up, we could rent it out for things like birthday parties, receptions. We’ve got a parking lot, picnic area, a great view — it’s just an ideal location to hold a celebration,” said Howlett. “The club plans to make use of it on a regular basis.”
The club taking over the park area has a number of benefits to it.
“This will help cut down on drugs, drinking in the area, because club members will be keeping an eye out here. There’ll be more eyes and ears in the area to report suspicious activity,” said Warden Alan Dudley, who made a brief stop at the site July 29, speaking with club members about ATV activity at the park.
The biggest benefit of all is the cost to the club, according to Howlett.
“There’s no taxes, no lease. We’ll have electricity and such, but that’s a small price to have such an ideal location for club members to enjoy. Our trail grant will cover the cost of carrying insurance here,” said Howlett. “We stumbled into a great deal with this. What a wonderful opportunity.”
