STOCKHOLM, Maine – By next summer, Stockholm residents could have a new multi-purpose building adjacent to the town’s ballpark.
Last year, the Stockholm Recreation Committee brought back the town’s Little League boys baseball team, the Northstars. But without a storage building, the team often had to keep equipment outside or in the dugout, which is not ideal given northern Maine’s changing weather.
That’s why this year the recreation committee began fundraising for a new multi-purpose building to replace a much smaller bandstand. The 24 x 40-foot space will include amenities like a kitchen, equipment storage, public bathrooms and a concession stand.
So far the committee has raised just under $50,000, with $31,495 from donations, $8,000 from fundraising events and $10,000 allocated in the town’s budget, but local generosity has allowed the building to take shape faster than they thought.
In August, volunteers completed the groundwork, cement pouring and plumbing; and began constructing the building’s walls thanks to donated lumber from Irving Woodlands and roof trusses from Aroostook Trusses. Doucette Construction has donated time and crew members to oversee the project.
“We have an all-volunteer crew, so we’re incredibly grateful and excited to keep things moving forward,” said Lena Lowry, chair of Stockholm’s recreation committee.
The building is the committee’s next large project after opening a new playground last summer and one that they hope will benefit youth sports and community events.
The Northstars team has 13 players, mostly from Stockholm and New Sweden; four coaches – three of whom are former league players – and has grown in popularity thanks to more young families moving to town.
The new building will be a good addition to the John Anderson Memorial Ballpark, which has become a favorite spot in the community, Lowry noted.
“There’s nothing like a hometown crowd. So many people young and old have come out to support our team,” Lowry said.
The recreation committee also hopes to use the building for annual fundraisers, including a Labor Day concert and summer Movies in the Park; and to rent it out for birthday parties, wedding receptions, reunions and other events.
The committee is still raising funds that will pay for the building’s electrical wiring, siding and appliances. People wishing to donate to the project can mail money or checks to the Stockholm Recreation Committee at P.O. Bo 39, Stockholm, Maine, 04783.
