KENNEBEC JOURNAL • July 19, 2022
Officials are considering an alternative approach to a new community park project that voters rejected during the June election. The project, as proposed on the ballot, included the construction of a softball field, basketball court, kiosk, concession stand, and trails on the 36-acre municipally-owned Readfield Fairgrounds property off Church Road. It also included a pollinator garden to help preserve the natural habitat. Residents shot down a question asking if they would be willing to raise up to $500,000 for the project. Board member Carol Doorenbos said that the voters’ rejection of the project seemed in large part due to the funding, but also partly because of the land and parking. To address the cost, she suggested setting fundraising goals for individual phases of the project.