Staff Writer
ASHLAND – A local park is $25,000 closer to completing some much-needed upgrades, following the announcement it would be receiving funds through a grant to continue upgrades. “We (town officials) were notified recently by Sen. Olympia Snowe’s and Congressman Mike Michaud’s offices that the town of Ashland has been awarded $25,000 from the Land and Water Conservation Fund for our Trotting Park,” said Town Manager Jim Gardner.
Gardner explained the funds would be used for various upgrades at the park.
“The first round of money we put into lights, fixed the bathrooms. We’d like to put in new swing sets,” said Gardner.
The first phase totaled an investment of approximately $25,000. The second phase includes the $25,000 LWCF grant, combined with matching funds from the community, through volunteer efforts and donations – with no burden to the taxpayer. The third phase of the park will involve creation of a ball field, with work on that scheduled at a later date.
The community’s goal is to re-establish the Trotting Park as a destination for families.
“The money going into the park is concentrated all for family-oriented functions – new playground equipment, a walking trail, upgrade the water supply, restoring six campsites. We want this to be a place everyone can come and enjoy, from family picnics to class reunions and more,” said Gardner.
The Land and Water Conservation Fund Act of 1964 (LWCF) was established to assist federal, state and local governments in the acquisition and/or development of public outdoor recreation facilities. Administered at the federal level by the National Park Service and at the state level by the Bureau of Parks and Lands in the Maine Department of Conservation, LWCF grants can provide up to 50 percent of the allowable costs for approved acquisition or development projects.
