In 2025, the Mapleton Lions Club will start its largest recreation project since the construction of the original Mapleton Lions Community Swimming Pool.
A few years ago, the club and Willard C. Doyen and Sons Family Farms discussed a piece of land owned by the family, located adjacent to the Mapleton Pool and Recreation Area.
The family decided to donate approximately 6.2 acres of land to the club in 2023. The property transfer occurred and the site was formally surveyed to establish the property lines.
The Lions’ goal was to expand the recreational opportunities for children, families and residents of Mapleton, Castle Hill and Chapman. The Doyen family and the club agreed that the land would be used to expand recreation opportunities.
(Courtesy of Terry Sandusky)
The first development project on the site will be the construction of the Willard C. Doyen Baseball Field for Little League and T-Ball.
As part of the plan, the ball field will have lighting installed so games can be played into late evening. Lighting the field will allow more parents to attend games with later starts. Also, doubleheader games can be scheduled as the Mapleton Little League continues to expand the number of teams in the league. The T-ball option will help expand recreation opportunities for younger players.
The Lions Club will work closely with the towns to determine how to expand recreational opportunities for the local residents and their children. Support for other Lions Club charities will continue while the club builds its pool of funding to develop the recreations expansion.
Other recreation options may be considered for the remaining portion of the property, such as a basketball court, walking trail, a second soccer field, pickleball courts and expanded parking. The club will survey the three towns for ideas for additional recreation opportunities. Folks are encouraged to send their suggestions to the Mapleton Lions Club via our Facebook/Mapleton Lions Club page.
All lights are shining
After a few setbacks, including a winter storm causing widespread electrical outages and parts problems, all 44 holiday lights on Mapleton’s Main Street are up and working.
The delays were unavoidable and led to some disappointment as people saw new lights hung in their places but unlit. Thanks to Peter Lajoie Electric & Control Service and Versant Power the new lights are now connected and brightly shining.
The Mapleton Lions thank everyone who purchased lights and donated to the light project and patiently waited for them come online. The town now has 1.2 miles of illumination.
The club extended the length of operating time this year to give folks the chance to see the full illumination of Main Street. Members will take down the lights and store them this coming Sunday.
The club wishes a happy new year to all.
Terry Sandusky is the Star-Herald correspondent for Mapleton, Chapman and Castle Hill and can be reached at 764-4916 or at starherald.Tsandusky@gmail.com.
