Readfield Fairgrounds Community Park Project Underway!
The Community Park project at the Readfield Fairgrounds is officially underway and expected to be completed within 18 months with local support. In a major boost, the project was finally awarded a Federal matching grant of up to $369,966 in mid-April through the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF). These funds are accessed by cash and in-kind donations of labor, equipment, and materials. We have already received several generous donations! Due to changing national priorities the National Guard has had to defer their involvement until next spring, but with much of our funding in place we are ready to proceed. Several project components can be accomplished before heavy earthwork takes place and several more will benefit from a more relaxed timeline. Here’s what the schedule looks like at the moment:
Summer of 2026 - Begin site preparation and bring basic water and electric service across Church Road to a utility connection point near the parking lot. Remove and store fencing , kiosks, and signs.
Fall of 2026 - Proceed with heavy vegetation management and tree / stump removal. Begin stockpiling materials like drainage pipe and gravel at or near the site.
Winter of 2026/2027 - Finalize material procurement and prepare for National Guard mobilization. Organize equipment and volunteers.
Spring of 2027 - National Guard on site to build the drainage systems, new ballfield, basketball court, and expanded parking area. Underground utilities installed.
Summer of 2027 - Landscaping, paving of the basketball court and parking lot, fence and dugout installation, and finish work will take place.
We are continuing to fundraise for this important project and still several thousand dollars under our local fundraising goal, so please consider making a donation to help ensure the project is a success! Equally if not more important we are looking for in-kind donations of labor, materials, and equipment. Specifically we need help with:
- Carpentry services and lumber for dugouts, rest area screening, and boardwalks
- Ballfield and basketball court fence, fence removal and installation
- Forestry and land clearing services, chippers, and stump grinding / removal to help with vegetation management
- Landscaping materials, plants, and labor to install plantings, loam and seed
- Electrician services and materials to install underground electrical service and utility fixtures
- Plumbing services and materials to install drinking fountains, utility spigots, and water lines
- Drainage pipe and culverts
- Asphalt and paving services and materials for the parking lot and basketball court
- Tractors, york rakes, and small implements for finish work
- Helping hands of all ages!
If you are interested in making a donation of any kind or just want to learn more about the project contact the Town Office at 685-4939 or visit the Town Website. Thank you!