Breakfast highlights
need for new community center
PRESQUE ISLE — More than 50 Aroostook County civic, business and municipal leaders gathered at the University of Maine at Presque Isle Campus Center for an informational breakfast about the new Presque Isle Community Center and how the proposed multimillion dollar project has moved closer to fruition almost a year after the general public overwhelmingly approved its go-ahead via voter referendum November 2012.
With the theme of “Commit to Community, Believe in Presque Isle,” the project has gained momentum by way of a larger Presque Isle Community Center Project Campaign Committee comprised of more than 14 community members. They say the need is dire for a new community center as the present William Haskell Recreation Center is beyond major interior and exterior structural repairs and may not withstand another two years in operation.
PI Community Center Project Campaign Co-Chair Steve Richard opened the breakfast talking about the overall importance of the project.
Presque Isle City Manager Jim Bennett is in favor of the new project, touting its ability to not only improve community quality of life and create a lasting legacy for future generations, but also increase economic development and make the region more attractive to prospective businesses and workers looking to expand or relocate.
“There comes a time when a community has to decide whether its going to be great or just okay; this project is an opportunity to make such a decision for our children, the elderly and our downtown. Frankly, we don’t have another two years in the current facility. It is time to make the right decision,” said Bennett.
Also speaking at the breakfast was Presque Isle Recreation and Parks Director Chris Beaulieu who said the need for a new center is evident because the current Rec Center is on its last legs for the slew of community programs and activities that serve the public and local families — primarily youngsters.
City Councilor Mike Chasse spoke about how the Rec Center impacted his childhood and how it was also a major driver in his decision to move back to Presque Isle.
Campaign Committee Member Scott Norton gave details of how the new center will provide cost savings to taxpayers.
Two new issues the new Community Center will address include the addition of an outdoor pool and splash pad. With the closing of the outdoor pool in Presque Isle this past summer because of safety concerns, its loss has been felt and voiced by the public to community and municipal leaders clamoring for a new and improved replacement. A redesign of the center with a new outdoor pool and state-of-the-art splash pad will fill the void for area families and kids — including those visiting the facility from neighboring communities.
The meeting closed with the handing out of case statements to attendees who might want to throw financial support behind the project. A formal campaign to raise $3.5 million dollars is currently under way. Presque Isle Community Center Project Committee members say they’re optimistic the funds will be raised and the project will come to fruition because the general public recognizes the need.
If you’d like to learn more or become involved in this initiative, please log onto the official project website at www.picommunitycenter.com.
