New gym floor unveiled at Rec

By Gloria Austin
Staff Writer
    On Oct. 11, the Gentle Memorial Building opened up for the season. It traditionally opens in the fall and closes in the spring. But this year, more excitement hedged on its opening date.
    Last spring, the Houlton Town Council approved money toward a new gymnasium floor for the Gentle Memorial Building. Over the summer, sub-contractor Howland Construction of Houlton ripped up the 60-year-old floor and Space Design Systems, Inc. of Kennebunk, replaced it with a hard maple floor.
    “We love it and have only had positive comments on the new floor,” said Marie Carmichael, Houlton recreation program director.
    “The old floor was very old and tired,” said Town Manager Doug Hazlett. “It was no longer capable of being sanded and refinished. Three years ago, we placed funds into a reserve account for the purpose of replacing it. But, we have been unable to add the additional money needed to do the job until this year.”
Houlton Pioneer Times photograph
NEW FLOOR — The Gentle Memorial Building opened for the season on Oct. 11 and a highlight of its opening was the addition of a brand new gymnasium floor. Playing on the court the first day of the rec’s season opening were from left, Isaac Cone, Jacob Donovan, Lucas Flewelling, Alex Donovan and Isaiah Straubel.
    On the opening day, the gymnasium’s hardwood gleamed that polished shine.
    “We bid the new floor and the winning bid was $51,800,” said Hazlett. “The work was recently completed and the new floor not only looks better, but it will be much safer for people using it.”
    However, the old floor was broken in by countless basketballs pounding on it, as well as numerous other activities held within the gymnasium’s walls. While disposing of each piece of the old floor memories were rekindled.
    “I had mixed feelings when they started taking out the old floor,” admitted Carmichael. “I know if you stop and think about the number of individuals who have used this floor throughout the years it is overwhelming.”
    The Gentle Memorial Building’s gymnasium was the center of almost everything from basketball, electric train races, teen dances, baton lessons, square dances, roller skating to town meetings to name just a few. 
    “I know many people have very fond memories of this floor and facility,” Carmichael added. “However, I am excited for the future users as well. This is truly going to be a wonderful asset to the building and we look forward to making new memories with them.” 
    Hazlett explained because the bid on the floor was low enough, the town will be able to replace the bleachers within the facility as well to meet today’s safety standards.
    The new telescoping Hussey Bleacher system is enclosed and ADA approved. It will be installed in December.
    “Both improvements will be a great asset to our programs,” added Carmichael. “The youth and adults are loving the new floor. Safety was the main concern in replacing the bleachers and they will be a great addition to our facility.”
    While updating the Gentle Memorial Building, new energy-saving lights were installed in the gymnasium, lounge and office. Painting is being finished on the Main Street windows, while new carpets for the office were put down and new blinds are on order.
    “We are very grateful for all the new updates to our facility,” said Carmichael. “We are very fortunate to have this wonderful facility in our community and we are very thankful for the improvements. We invite the community to stop by and take a look at our updates and look forward to serving them for years to come.”