By Donna DeLong
Special to The Star-Herald
A local attorney, Hal Stewart, and his family have decided to be part of keeping the tradition of a local community recreation center in Presque Isle alive for present and future generations by donating $25,000 to the Presque Isle Community Center project.
When Stewart heard that the basketball court would be removed and the outdoor pool and indoor pool would be closing, he decided to act.
“I could stay upset or mad that these things closed, but if I step back and think about it objectively, infrastructure has a lifespan and those facilities have all had their lifespan. If we are going to be a community that continues to have memories for future generations, we need to have new infrastructure.” Stewart said.
He has participated in the various programs offered through the Presque Isle Recreation and Parks Department his entire life and believes that the new facility would offer the area more opportunities to enjoy recreation at any age.
“The fondest memories I have are playing baseball, swimming at the outdoor pool and playing basketball for endless hours in the summer and I watched my kids enjoy the same as they were growing up.” Stewart said.
He likes the way the Presque Isle Community Center project has been planned out. He feels that this is the type of infrastructure that the town needs.
“Those memories are what makes the town whole.” Stewart said.
He feels a new community center is what the area needs and did not have a hard decision to make when he decided to back the project. He feels that if the town is going to continue to thrive, it is important to have a new facility.
What he likes most about the plan is that it will offer numerous programs for the kids, but there also will be enough space to offer programs for adults and senior citizens.
“Any time you can bring those generations together, it creates positive reinforcement for everyone. Parents are very busy and any time they can multitask, it’s good. Having the walking track gives parents the chance to be with the kids and get a little exercise themselves. The current rec center does not have that option.
“What I like about the plan is that the city has taken some existing areas that has been used for recreation. It will be close to downtown, but the kids will not be getting out of the car on Main Street.” Stewart said.
“Memories are what makes a town a home,” he added.
For more information on giving to the Presque Isle Community Center project, go to www.picommunitycenter.com or contact Judy Dionne, campaign administrator, by phone at 760-2785 or by email at jdionne@presqueisleme.us.
