HOULTON, Maine — If all goes as planned, ground will be broken this spring on a new $600,000 athletic complex for the Houlton Band of Maliseet Indians.
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Office of Native American Programs awarded the grants to the Maliseets to improve or create housing and economic development opportunities for low- to moderate-income families. The grant was for public facilities and infrastructure under the Indian Community Development Block Grant.
“We received a grant for $600,000 to build a regulation-size football field with a walking track around it,” explained Rosa McNally, project administrator. “The tribe committed a combination of land resources, cash and in-kind services of $151,000.”
McNally said the project has been delayed somewhat since construction was supposed to be finished last fall. The grant was awarded in September, 2011.
“I know there is some concern that it might seem like we are behind schedule,” McNally said. “We just got our bids (for construction) back and they came in over what we anticipated. So now we will have to do some value engineering. We still feel very confident we can start construction this spring. We just have to cut back on a few of the things we originally planned to do.”
Another reason for the delay is the Maliseets were asked to do a more in-depth survey of the grounds to determine if there were any historic artifacts located on the site. The site was investigated, but no artifacts were found.
The athletic complex will be located on 14.75 acres on the reservation and consist of a regulation-sized football field, running/walking track, baseball field with dugouts, sporting equipment, parking lot and storage.
“This project is something we have been looking to develop for the past 10 years,” said Tribal Chief Brenda Commander. “It has been on our radar. We feel it’s important to have a place for our youth to participate in competitive sports or activities. It is something all of our community members can benefit from.”
According to McNally, the new athletic field will promote healthy exercise activities for all tribal members.
“We are convinced that this project will address and remove some of the barriers of HBMI member’s struggles with obesity and other health disparities associated with regardless of age,” she said. “Participation in these activities will provide better health, better school performance for the tribe’s youth, improve self-esteem, increase family time, contribute to crime prevention, and will enhance good old fashioned fun. The site for the athletic field is in the heart of the housing development and easily accessible by walking.”
When construction of the football field is complete, it is anticipated to become the new home field for the Houlton High School football program this fall.
The Maliseets hope to secure an additional grant to install lighting around the football field.
Houlton varsity football coach Brian Reynolds said he was excited by the thought of finally playing home games this fall.
“This field means the continuation of our program,” he said. “Without a regulation sized field to play and practice on, this program doesn’t keep going. The kids are really looking forward to the idea of having some home games.”
Houlton played all of its games on the road last season. The Maliseets have agreed to allow the Houlton football team to play home games on the field. The Greater Houlton Christian Academy may also use the baseball field, provided they have enough players in the spring of 2014 to field a team,
“The kids really want to play a game in front of their family and friends,” Reynolds said.
SAD 29 Superintendent Mike Hammer echoed those sentiments.
“This field is a big part of the viability of our program,” Hammer said.
A concession stand for the Maliseets youth department is also in the works.
“This will be a great opportunity for youth fundraising and promotion of healthy snacks and drinks,” McNally said. “The tribe works closely inter-departmentally and coordinates activities with our nutritionist and fitness instructor who are educated and trained in diabetes and weight loss, control and management, with both staff having received national recognition for their work.”
