Merrill Millstream Park seeks state aid for playground

By Gloria Austin
Staff Writer
    The town of Merrill, through its Merrill Millstream Park Committee, is in the process of applying for a Small Communities Grant from the state for playground equipment to be installed at the park.
    “The MMP has become a focal point in our community and it was designated as a smoke-free zone last fall to promote a healthy, active lifestyle for the area people,” said Candy Nevers, Merrill town manager. “The committee wants to continue improving the Millstream Park and looked at what we have, what we are lacking and determined children in the area need a playground, specifically preschool children.”
    The playground design chosen is special because it is made in Maine at CedarWorks. The lumber is milled at Katahdin Forest Products and it has something for children of all ages to enjoy, added Nevers.
    The Merrill Millstream Park Committee approached the Northern Maine Development Commission looking for a playground grant.
    “This grant is very, very competitive,” said Nevers. “So, the committee continued to work toward this endeavor.”
    Quarterly newsletters were sent to all Merrill residents asking for their input and involvement to raise funds for the playground equipment. A small blurb was also included in the annual Town Report.
    “We then sent a letter of intent to the state planning office,” explained Nevers. “This entailed a lot of time and effort on the part of the committee.”
    Part of the letter of intent asked the town of about 230 residents to prove they were more than 50 percent low to moderate income and that those low to moderate income citizens would benefit from the playground.
    “We had to do a town-wide survey to prove that we had a sufficient number of households LMI,” Nevers explained. “NMDC assisted in this process as well, as they have been a huge help throughout.”
    The town also held a public hearing to accept comments regarding the grant application before finalizing the paperwork.
    “In the process of the grant application, we must describe the problem, lack of playground equipment in-town for children, show how the grant would address the problem and how the LMI would benefit,” said Nevers. “We also had to show how the community has assisted in labor, materials, cash and more, so that we have a good match for the amount requested.”
    The townspeople are supportive of the plan to add playground equipment, since the closest playgrounds  for preschoolers are Patten, Houlton and Littleton, Nevers said.
    “Exorbitant fuel prices prevent most families from traveling from Patten to Littleton with children so they can play on a playground,” Nevers pointed out. “The community has been overwhelmingly supportive and is very excited about the possibility of a playground for our children.”
    As of now, school-aged children can use the playgrounds at their respective schools. The Merrill Millstream Park’s playground will accommodate both preschool and school-aged children.
    “The committee has worked tirelessly on this project,” explained Nevers. “Businesses in town and individuals have given to the Merrill Millstream Park effort in an unbelievable manner!”
    When going through records, Nevers discovered through events, donations, along with assistance for materials, equipment, labor and such, the amount has accumulated in excess of $100,000.
    The Merrill Millstream Park Committee continues its activity to improve the small area. The whole idea for a playground came about through the committee’s events and concerts to raise funds for the park.
    “It became apparent that it would be nice if there was some playground equipment for the children to enjoy,” said Nevers. “The committee talked about it, during the Centennial Celebration a couple of years ago, with several people giving donations to the park in memory of loved ones, and asked that it be dedicated to a playground fund.”