Aroostook Football to build new field

    PRESQUE ISLE — Aroostook Football has big plans for the land off Highway One donated by the Cole family last year. The site will become the home for a lighted football field slated to open in September of 2009.     “We’ve been fortunate to have a number of individuals and groups come forward to help with this immense task; unfortunately, the tasks remaining are just as formidable.” said league co-founder, Dick Engels. In order to gain assistance with achieving their goal, the organization will hold a meeting Wednesday, Oct. 24 at 7:30 p.m. in the Edmunds conference room at Northern Maine Community College.
    Organizers will discuss plans for raising the money needed for completion of the project, and nominate a steering committee to implement the plan. Anyone with an interest in the youth of central Aroostook County having an opportunity to play football is encouraged to attend.
    “We’re looking for people who can help us make this field a reality,” said Engels. It could be a creative, energetic fund raiser, a person with building skills or a person who has influential connections. We have a program the community can be proud of, and now we’re reaching out to the larger population to take advantage of the talent we know is out there.”
    Contributions thus far include the 11 acres of real estate midway between Presque Isle and Caribou on Highway one. BR Smith Engineers provided all manner of survey, Department of Environmental Protection requirements and field design work. The local Maine National Guard unit (recently converted from an artillery group to an engineering group) consented to provide earthwork to level the playing site. NMCC offered assistance with the design of a storage building. John Michalowski, a local architect, provided a plan for a locker room facility. TD Banknorth gave $5,000 toward purchase of a scoreboard, and Coca-cola agreed to provide their discount, $500 and cover shipping charges for the scoreboard. The Presque Isle Rotary Club supported the project by covering the cost of goal posts and spectator seating.
    Remaining significant projects include creating an access road and parking area, seeding the playing surface, purchasing and installing lights, purchasing and erecting chain link fencing and constructing a storage/bathroom structure.
    Aroostook football plans to raise the necessary funds for these projects by selling advertising on the fence surrounding the playing field. The League asks fans of youth community activities and football who have an interest and think they may be able to help to attend the meeting. Questions, comments or ideas can be directed to either Stu Wyckoff at 764-7651 or Dick Engels at 764-2928.