By Wayne E. Rivet

Staff Writer

When Bridgton voters agreed to take over the BRAG sports complex, Larry Carter and Bill Macdonald hoped to finish up a “punch list” of remaining items to complete the project.

But, obstacles stood in the way.

Fundraising was ongoing, but money trickled — not poured — in.

Lining up contractors, who were willing to donate their time, but had busy schedules, was tricky.

An unexpected problem with the irrigation forced extra money and time spent to redo the water system.

Meanwhile, volunteers came and went.

The Carters — Larry, who maintained the facility and Lynne, who spearheaded fundraising events — remained on a steady course to see the project through.

Macdonald was anxious to turn the complex over to the town, but only when the project was completed.

It took 15 years since voters acted on acceptance to reach mission accomplished (somewhat), and on Tuesday, the Bridgton Select Board unanimously agreed for the town to assume responsibility on July 1.

Town Manager Bob Peabody will meet with staff to determine funding needed for maintenance and some purchases (such as mowing equipment).

Larry Carter, who served as clerk of the works, gave town officials a rundown on what has been completed and what remains to be done before July 1.

Primarily, the to-do is completion of a concession building, which needs exterior siding and interior work (from plumbing and electrical). Quotes are being sought, and work will be addressed this spring. 

Carter outlined his work, from mowing to fertilizing to general upkeep at the complex. After years of service, Carter — who figures works about 700 hours from April to October at the facility — plans to head to Florida as part of retirement, but will be back in the area during the summer.

“I love doing it, it’s for a great cause — the kids, That’s what I am all about. I want to see a place where kids and parents can go,” Carter said.  “The grass was really nice this summer, very green, coming along nicely. The ball fields are in good shape.”

Macdonald noted that money appropriated by the town covered maintenance at the complex, while fundraising efforts addressed construction costs and materials.

“We do what we can with what we have; we’re grateful to the town, but it doesn’t quite cover everything,” he said.

Carter and Macdonald pointed out that once the town takes over the sports complex, BRAG will continue in its mission to support recreation.

“BRAG will be around, we’re not dissolving, we’ll continue to raise money; whatever we sell will go toward the complex,” Carter said.

Selectman Bear Zaidman asked whether BRAG had planned to “rent” the complex to outside groups this upcoming season?

Macdonald noted that the complex is primarily used by town rec programs, and at this time, there hasn’t been a move to bring in a summer soccer camp. State baseball tournament is on the docket.

“It’s not utilized as much as it could be. We don’t have the capacity — we have just one person overseeing the complex — to bring concert series in, like a rec director can,” Macdonald noted.

However, during the sports seasons, the fields are often buzzing with activity. People also use the fields to fly kites and drones.

“There’s always a breeze, and very few black flies,” Macdonald said.

Selectman Bob McHatton, who was chairman of the board when the town voted on field acceptance in 2007, said Bridgton is fortunate that a group took on developing rec fields, and praised the efforts of those volunteers involved over the years.

“I feel personally strongly about, I didn’t want to turn over an unfinished project. I wasn’t super comfortable turn over a promise not fulfilled,” Macdonald said. “Now, July 1, concession stand be done, last item on our list. No we don’t have funds in house to finish the project; we’ll get quotes, material list what we need, what can you donate in labor? We’re ahead of the game because we’ve developed relationships along the way; get over the last hump. We have some pretty amazing people in this town; when they see a need, they step up.”

Initially, Zaidman felt acceptance should go back to townspeople since the project has changed since the last vote in 2007.

The question then was: “Do you favor acceptance, ownership and maintenance of the Recreation Fields from Bridgton Recreation Advancement Group (BRAG) upon completion, which will require future taxpayer approval of up to $225,000 from the Moose Pond Trust Fund to complete Phase 1 of possibly three phases?”

Estimated annual maintenance — $25,000 to $40,000

Estimated sources of revenue for Phase 1: 

Donated materials and services, $225,000

Foundation funds, $13,000

Moose Pond Trust Fund, $225,000

Fundraising, $450,000

Total, $913,000

Selectmen recommendation, yes

Town vote, 1400 yes, 788 no, 36 blank

2,224 votes cast

Bridgton had 4,238 registered voters.

Macdonald also noted that no money has been borrowed in regards to the rec complex, and some existing equipment (such as concession stand freezers and food preparation items) will be turned over the town. Carter used his own personal mower to tend to the grass, and offered the town use of it until tractor purchases can be made.

Macdonald suggested that an advisory board be created, much like one for Pondicherry Park, to include a Select Board member, BRAG member and citizens.

 “You did a great job with every penny the town gave you,” Peabody told Macdonald and Carter.