LIMESTONE, Maine — Oct. 28, 2024 — Limestone Chamber of Commerce and Development Foundation President Michelle Albert shows off the two larger jungle gyms at the newly upgraded Albert Michaud Memorial Park on Monday. (Melissa Lizotte | Aroostook Republican)
LIMESTONE, Maine – With new equipment and enhanced curb appeal, Limestone volunteers want their town park to attract community members of any age.
The Limestone Development Foundation, Chamber of Commerce and Rotary Club, made up entirely of volunteers, began fundraising for new playground equipment and other amenities in 2020 and raised nearly $140,000 through grants and local donations.
On Monday, members of the Chamber and Foundation braved strong, chilly winds to unveil eight new pieces of children’s playground equipment, four adult exercise machines, a walking path, a new basketball court and new picnic benches at Albert Michaud Memorial Park.
The children’s playground now includes two larger jungle gyms, slides, monkey bars, swings and a new seated merry-go-round known as a “10 spin.”
Albert Michaud Memorial Park was built in 1974 and needed a modern upgrade, said Michelle Albert, president for the Limestone Chamber of Commerce and Development Foundation. The all-volunteer revitalization committee wanted amenities that attracted both children and adults.
Though the pandemic led to production delays for some equipment, volunteers installed what they could little by little and kept sections of the playground open for families, Albert noted.
Altogether, at least 25 volunteers worked to put up a new park sign, provide building materials, landscaping and painting. Students from Loring Job Corps installed the new picnic tables.
“It took all of us coming together to make this come to light,” Albert said.
With the park revitalization project finished, Limestone Recreation Department will take over maintenance and use the park for community events and activities.
