By Wayne E. Rivet

Staff Writer

How popular is Pondicherry Park?

It is the #1 “thing to do” in Bridgton on Trip Advisor.

“Very nice, clean trails. It was perfect for my 3-year-old. We brought our wagon for my 1-year-old, it was a little rough for that,” wrote one reviewer posted this month on Trip Advisor’s site.

Loon Echo Land Trust Executive Director Mark Markot called the park, “a destination” and a “major attraction.”

However, the intown “gem” is starting to show some wear and tear as the result of the aging process and steady use. Some boardwalk boards are broken and need replacement. Erosion is a concern in some areas. More dead tree removal is needed.

With infrastructure improvements needing to be tackled soon, Markot presented Bridgton selectmen Tuesday night with a proposal to upgrade a trail that would allow accessibility to all — those in wheelchairs or reliant on mobility aides, as well as enabling young children to be pushed in strollers.

To change the travel surface and widen the trail, Markot estimates the project would reach the $80 to $100,000 range. Knowing the town has already taken on some expensive projects and not wanting to place added burden on taxpayers, Markot plans to pursue grant money to finance the plan. One way to possibly push the grant proposal ahead of the competition would be the “town’s blessing” of the project, Markot said. Another funding source could be private donations.

While Selectman Bear Zaidman likes the park, he is concerned that since the town took over maintenance of the property, costs keep going up and up.

“It’s a nice idea (upgraded trail) but can taxpayers keep paying?” asked Zaidman, who pitched the idea of some type of endowment be created to fund future park improvements. He wondered if the time is right to pursue such a project when many local businesses either closed or continue to reel in the wake of Covid-19. “It’s a huge undertaking.”

Selectman Lee Eastman concurred, “I don’t think that’s what voters voted on” in regards to growing park costs.

Zaidman also felt “protocol was not followed” when Markot pitched the idea to the Community Development Committee first, and then to selectmen. The CDC is an advisory board, and member Bob McHatton said the group unanimously supports the project.

“It should be open to all and passable for everyone,” McHatton said. “When you’re older, you need solid ground for walking.”

Selectperson Carmen Lone saw no harm in LELT starting a fundraising effort.

Town Manager Bob Peabody estimated that the Pondicherry Park Reserve Fund has about $15,000. No money was placed in the account this year. It was one area Peabody cut as part of a budgetary move to produce a zero-tax increase. Peabody noted that the Capital Maintenance Reserve is at $400,000-plus.

Officials felt it would be cost effective to create a list of priority improvement items and dovetail those improvements with the proposed project.

Zaidman suggested that a workshop meeting be held with board members, along with Loon Echo (which holds the conservation easement) and Lakes Environmental Protection (an advisory group) officials to get all issues onto the table for discussion and how to approach upgrades (use of “natural” materials such as granite stones taken from the Moose Pond Causeway that could be used in the park) as it pertains to the Pondicherry’s management plan.

A workshop will be scheduled.

Meanwhile, selectmen voted 3-2 to support the plan enabling LELT to seek grants. For: Carmen Lone, Paul Tworog, Fred Packard; Against: Bear Zaidman, Lee Eastman.

In other board news:

• Winning bid —Five citizens were present and four connected to last Thursday’s bid opening for tax-acquired property at 123 Raspberry Lane. The bids ranged from a low of $67,125 to the winning offer of $157,700 by John Booker of Harrison. Selectmen unanimously accepted the bid. A purchase and sale agreement has been signed.

• Extended hours — The Town Clerk’s Office will be open on Thursday, Oct. 22from 4 to 7 p.m.; Saturday, Oct. 24 from 9 a.m. to noon; Thursday, Oct. 29 from 4 to 7 p.m.; and Saturday, Oct. 31 from 9 a.m. to noon for the purpose of accepting voter registration, absentee balloting, and other election related issues.  No other town business will be conducted during this time.

• Finish training — Bridgton firefighters Sean Hedly and John Horne completed the basic firefighters school hosted in Fryeburg. The final live burnpractical was held at a training burn building in Hollis on Sept. 13.  Chief Tom Harriman attended the event.  The two staff members now have the basic training necessary to attack structural and vehicle fires. They both plan to attend more advanced training as available.   

Chief Harriman met with the Town Manager Bob Peabody concerning Sabatis Island (Moose Pond) after a prior holiday weekend issue with campfires.  The chief recommended the town consider prohibiting open burning campfires at town parks with signage, if approved, and recommended retaining the fixed grills.  

• Application deadline — Receipt of applications for Patrol Officers will close this coming Friday, Sept. 25.  To date, the department has received seven applications.  The applications will be reviewed and interviews will be scheduled in the near future.

October is Domestic Violence Awareness month.  Purple lights brighten the community and officers will be wearing purple ribbon pins bringing attention to the issue of domestic violence during October reminding the nation that there are still countless people, victims and survivors that are impacted by domestic violence.  If you know someone is being abused, please call the confidential hotline at 1-800-537-6066.