Fairgrounds Community Park and Conservation Project
Readfield Fairgrounds
Community Park and Conservation Project
The Fairgrounds is a roughly 36 acre municipally owned property located off of Church Rd. It was acquired by the Town in 1994 and has supported a number of uses over the years including conservation, parks and recreation, trails, and one of our most prominent cemeteries. Over the past few years the importance of outdoor recreation has become more evident and the Readfield Recreation Board and Select Board have worked actively with key stakeholders to propose a second phase of development to be considered by the voters. The table below shows the current and proposed use of the property from a land use perspective. The Community Park and Conservation Project will add recreational opportunities and amenities for all of our residents while maintaining over 85% of the Fairgrounds property in woodland and open space!
CURRENT | PROPOSED | |||
FAIRGROUNDS PROPERTY USES | Acres *^ | Percent | Acres *^ | Percent |
Paved area | 0.00 | 0.0% | 0.13 | 0.4% |
Grass Parking Area (flanks the ball field access road) | 0.47 | 1.3% | 0.00 | 0.0% |
Gravel Parking Area (adjacent to Church Rd.) | 0.55 | 1.5% | 0.55 | 1.5% |
Cemetery (mown area and annex behind the cemetery) | 1.30 | 3.6% | 1.30 | 3.6% |
Ball field and surrounding mown area | 1.65 | 4.6% | 3.21 | 9.0% |
Open field (currently mown annually) | 3.07 | 8.6% | 1.98 | 5.5% |
Woodland | 28.74 | 80.3% | 28.61 | 80.0% |
TOTAL | 35.78 | 100.0% | 35.78 | 100.0% |
* Acreages are approximate based on available parcel data and aerial imagery
^ Trail and road acreage is not included in the above numbers
The use of the property has been generally governed by a Proposed Management Plan from 1995 in conjunction with actions by various Select Boards, town meeting votes, and any relevant ordinances. The plan calls for thoughtful and balanced use of the property and is available on the town website and at the Town Office.
The initial phase of recreational development at the Fairgrounds happened several years ago based on an original site plan but was limited to the construction of a single baseball field and recreational trails. Since that time the parking lot has been expanded and the use of the property has increased, particularly during the pandemic. A tremendous amount of volunteer time and financial resources were contributed to the original project and have been an important part of the overall operation of the property ever since. We fully expect this community investment to continue with the Fairgrounds Community Park and Conservation Project.
The next phase builds upon the original plan and balances conservation and recreation goals while envisioning a multi-use facility that will meet the present and future needs of our community. This is not a substitute for the fields owned by the School District (access to these fields is limited), or a grand athletic complex for a big town - this is a community park for Readfield, with something for everyone. Proposed changes and improvements include:
Recreational Opportunities for Youth and Adults:
- A softball field to match the quality and use of the existing baseball field
- The ability to host a long list of sports and activities that can happen by creating open space between the infields (soccer, ultimate Frisbee, community events, etc.)
- A basketball court that can also support pickleball courts
Conservation and Trails:
- Removal of existing on-field parking and conversion to dedicated grassland
- Removal of the access road that currently divides the field area
- A curated pollinator garden and planting of pollinator friendly species in the fields
- A new Kiosk for trail information, activity schedules, and community information
Other Amenities:
- A concession stand for community and sporting events
- A flagpole
- A well to support multiple uses including drinking water, water for the cemetery, and water for maintaining plantings (there are no plans to irrigate the athletic fields)
- A dedicated and more attractive location for portable toilets
This is not an exhaustive list but should give a very clear picture of what is being planned. For an even better picture check out the draft Concept Plans available on the Town Website!
The full cost of this project is currently estimated to be between $500,000 and $700,000 but we expect a LOT of community support, grants, and donations to significantly lower the cost. We have two articles on the June 14, 2022 Town Meeting Warrant - one to approve municipal borrowing of up to $500,000 and one to approve the project. If we were to expend the full borrowing amount the average homeowner would pay less than $20 per year for this project. We hope you will support this incredible opportunity for our community, and if you'd like to contribute in any way please reach out to the Town Office!
| Attachment | Size |
|---|---|
 2022 Fairgrounds Community Park and Conservation Project Concept Plan | 6.41 MB |