By Natalie Bazinet
Staff writer
LIMESTONE — The new park in downtown Limestone was organized and conceptualized by members of the Limestone Rotary Club, but Rotary Club members are quick to pass the credit for the parkís existence back to the community.
“The Rotary Club is administering the construction of the park and getting it done, however, it’s the community that’s actually building the park,” explained Limestone Rotarian Fred Edgecomb.
While the small park currently features a community clock, gazebo and lantern lighting, landscaping, park benches and walkways are slated for addition to the park this summer. Emphasizing the community nature of the project, Limestone Rotarian Larry Zenzius explained that most all of the materials and labor needed for the park thus far have been donated by local contractors and individuals.
Though the park isn’t yet completed, community members have already expressed their support for the project — it was relayed to Rotary member David King how one area 12-year-old viewed lights and garland adorning the park’s gazebo and uttered an impressed wide-eyed “wow.”
But five years ago, building a park wasn’t on Rotarians’ to-do list. Instead, they were diligently fundraising to bring a community clock to the town.
“We couldn’t find a place to put the clock, so the park came into play as sort of an alternative,” said Limestone Rotarian Pat Zenzius. “It took longer than we wanted, but it’s coming along very well now.”
From the first day club members began planning the park, it was agreed that the group would gift the park to the town once it was completed, and Rotarians say that the community has been very supportive of the project all along.
“We were very fortunate that the businesses supported us and the local community supported us,” Pat Zenzius said.
Her husband Larry, a longtime Rotarian as well, explained that the club is also hoping to build a farmers market toward the back of the park so that the community has a place to sell their crafts and produce.
But even before the market, the group is hoping that the downtown park will serve as a place for community congregation and a great spot to read a book on a lazy summer afternoon.
“We hope that every time we go through town, there’s somebody sitting in the gazebo talking, reading or relaxing,” King said.
Located on Main Street in Limestone, across from Al-Bears Restaurant, the park’s centralized location has recently led the club to consider another community facet of the property — a possible community message board.
Whether or not the message board is realized, the community already has plans for utilizing the park especially around the Fourth of July.
“This town has lots of ways of breaking apart — our goal is to bring it back together,” Edgecomb said. “Our goal as a Rotary Club is to try to bring the town together, and each thing that we do is all in that effort,” he said, citing the club’s “Service Above Self” motto.
Those interested in donating to the downtown park project can contact any Limestone Rotarian or send inquiries/checks to P.O. Box 434, Limestone, ME 04750.
While the small Rotary Club just recently concluded their part in the community-supported Christmas Basket Project, which provided about 100 baskets filled with everything a family would need for a holiday dinner, the club is already organizing their next big service event: their annual Fun Day is scheduled to take place on a wintery Saturday, Feb. 2.
