Aroostook State Park celebrates 75th anniversary
Staff Writer
PRESQUE ISLE — Gov. John E. Baldacci has declared 2010 Maine State Parks Year, and what better place to celebrate than spending a weekend at Aroostook State Park — Maine’s first state park — for the third annual Take It Outside event.
“Our Maine state parks are a vital part of what makes Maine a great place to live in and visit,” said Baldacci during a ceremony in January in recognition of the 75th anniversary of the Maine state parks system. “State parks give Maine people and visitors alike a reason to be happy and healthy, providing recreation while conserving important locations in our state.”
The Maine state parks system was established in 1935 when the Maine Legislature formed the State Park Commission. In 1938, a group of local business owners donated 100 acres of land in Presque Isle, which became Aroostook State Park, Maine’s first state park.
Today the Maine Bureau of Parks and Lands oversees 48 state parks, including 12 campgrounds; the Allagash Wilderness Waterway and the Penobscot River Corridor; 15 historic sites; 460 boat launch facilities owned or built by the Bureau; and 260 miles of state-owned or leased trails.
Theresa Fowler, Presque Isle Area Chamber of Commerce executive director, also spoke at the ceremony, emphasizing the relationship of Maine’s first state park, Aroostook, to the local community.
Festivities will kick off Saturday at the Presque Isle park, beginning at 10 a.m. and continuing through 3 p.m.
“We are having our third annual Winter Family Fun Day on Feb. 20. Families, friends and outdoor enthusiasts everywhere are invited to come enjoy the best of winter in the wonderful Maine woods,” said Scott Thompson, park director.
According to Thompson, expert ski and snowshoeing instruction will be available to help those interested enjoy all that winter has to offer. Activities include: cross country skiing, snowshoeing, sliding, snowmobile tote sleds, dog sled rides, ice harvesting demos and guided nature walks.
Thompson said loaner equipment will be on site for the public’s convenience or participants can bring their own gear.
“Ice skating will be offered on the lake, conditions permitting. Anyone interested in that is asked to bring their own skates,” said Thompson. “And remember to dress for the weather.”
A warming hut, coffee and hot chocolate will be provided.
“And a bonfire will be available all day,” he said.
Lunch is also being provided. Park officials will be accepting non-perishable food items for distribution to County food pantries.
“This will be a drop-off area for Feed the County. So let’s help our neighbors by bringing in canned food,” said Thompson.
The fee for this event is $1.50 per adult between the ages of 12-64. All others are free. There will be a $2 per person donation for the dog sled rides.
Thompson said this is just one of many activities planned in celebration of the park system’s 75th anniversary.
For more information, contact 768-8341.
