By Kathy McCarty
Staff Writer
PRESQUE ISLE, Maine — Officials with MMG Insurance, headquartered in Presque Isle, presented a $100,000 check to the Community Center Campaign Committee on Tuesday, continuing the agency’s record of being a dedicated supporter of community-based projects.
“At MMG, we share the same strong sense of community that this project is founded on,” said Larry Shaw, president and CEO of MMG Insurance. “Ensuring that our area continues to thrive is essential. As we look to the future, it’s vital that we attract and retain the talent and the people who will shape and lead our community, and one way to do that is to invest in the community.”
The Presque Isle Community Center will be located in the downtown area, replacing the aging William V. Haskell Community Center and will include a large, multi-use gymnasium, as well as spaces for all ages, including toddler, teen and senior rooms. Additionally, it will offer an outdoor pool and splash pad.
“The new Community Center promises to serve the entire community,” added Shaw. “It’s a unique opportunity to bring generations together and build on the values and spirit that make this area a great place to live and work.”
“We are truly excited and grateful to receive both this significant donation as well as the support of MMG, a local company who shares our strong sense of community and vision for the future of this area. MMG understands the benefits a new Community Center will bring to this area and this investment speaks directly to the campaign’s motto of “Commit to Community, Believe in Presque Isle,” said Steve Richard, campaign co-chair.
Shaw said as a company with a long local history — founded in Houlton in 1897, it moved its office to Presque Isle in 1904 — MMG is honored to partner with the community on a project that will carry the city far into the future.
Tuesday’s news follows Monday’s official kickoff of the Community Center Project Campaign, which was held at the Rec Center on Main Street and included members of the campaign committee: Rec and Parks Director Chris Beaulieu, City Manager Jim Bennett, Scott Norton, Shawn Cunningham, Co-chairs Steve and Lucy Richard, and City Councilor Michael Chasse.
“This is for all citizens of Presque Isle, not just the children but adults and seniors as well. We hope it will be the wellness center for the community,” said Lucy Richard.
Her husband said the goal for the facility was two-fold.
“We hope to prevent out-migration, while attracting new people to the community,” said Steve.
Chasse expressed the role the rec center played in his life and the importance of such a facility for future generations. He said it was those positive childhood memories that led to his returning to Presque Isle following his skiing accident.
“This (the Rec Center) is what made me so close to the community. That’s one of the reasons I moved back after my injury. It wasn’t an easy decision but the bond with the community center is what brought me back,” said Chasse. “As we move forward, I hope we continue to provide children with similar positive experiences.”
Beaulieu said the Haskell building, originally built as a USO center, has been around for over 70 years and it’s time for an upgrade. Cost to repair the existing structure is estimated at $877,000.
“You have to understand where we stand. To build a new building the exact same size we truly believe would not fit our needs,” said Beaulieu, as he went on to explain the number of youth who annually use the services provided.
He said due to the small space at the Main Street structure, programs are limited to one-at-a-time.
“The size limits the programs and events we can offer. New programs are limitless with a larger facility. The need is there. A new building will serve the needs of not just pre-K through 12th grade but toddlers to seniors,” said Beaulieu, as he elaborated on how the space would be used at the new center, both inside and out, and how the pool and a splash pad will be included as part of the project.
Norton spoke of the financial impact the new site will have on taxpayers.
“We’re looking at about $71 (in taxes) for a property valued at $100,000. We’ll be replacing this facility (Main Street) with a more efficient building,” said Norton, noting the city has gotten to the point where “band-aids won’t stick any more.”
Norton said the return on investment will be great, as the new recreation center will be designed to adapt for future generations.
“This will increase traffic downtown and could create a destination attraction. In addition, the health benefits go very deep. I encourage other business owners to use this as a base for their own health programs,” said Norton.
Bennett said what makes any community successful is whatever’s considered the heart of the community.
“That’s often a place where people gather and interact. This building (Main Street) doesn’t do that today,” he said.
“There comes a time in every community when citizens have to make tough decisions. The reality is the money put into this project is not a whole lot more than what’s needed to fix this Rec Center. But you’ll get much more in return,” said Bennett, noting the new facility will provide “a break from a linear downtown.”
“Downtown has great energy but this project helps make more. It will change the dynamics of a tired street,” said Bennett.
Steve Richard said the campaign theme, “Commit to community, believe in Presque Isle,” is what “we have to do now.”
“We believe, now we need others to believe,” he said.
Cunningham discussed the “vision board” and the Dec. 7 Light Parade, with Santa appearing at the Rec Center. She said campaign members will be on hand the night of the parade to answer questions and show people why the old facility needs to be replaced. Canned goods will also be collected for Catholic Charities at that time, as a way the group can support other agencies in the community.
The new community center will be a 30,475 square foot facility along with an outdoor pool and splash pad. The capital campaign effort to raise more than $3.5 million has officially begun, spearheaded by a committee comprised of more than 14 civic, business and municipal leaders.
An additional $3.5 million will come from the tax base, as will an estimated $1.5 million for the new pool and splash pad.
The new building, pool and splash pad will be built on city-owned property adjacent to Riverside Drive. The project also includes a proposed change to the routing of Chapman Road, to divert traffic to the east of the facility, and extension of Riverside Drive.
Anyone interested in learning more about the project or wishing to make a donation should visit the website www.picommunitycenter.com.
