Fairgrounds Community Park

Where Readfield Comes Together!

The Fairgrounds Community Park will add recreational opportunities and amenities for all of our residents while maintaining a vast majority of the Fairgrounds property in a natural state!

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.

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 grassland
  • Removal of the access road that currently divides the field area
  • Planting of pollinator friendly species in the fields
  • A new Kiosk for trail information, activity schedules, and community information

Other Amenities:

  • 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)
  • Electrical supply for the well and community needs like Heritage Days (no lighting is planned)
  • 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 Architectural Concept Plans or Engineering Layout below!  They don't include everything listed above and are a work in progress, but when the revised plans become available they will be added to this page.

The full cost of this project is currently estimated to be just under $1,000,000 but the project will be funded exclusively through grants and donations.  We have two articles on the June 11, 2024 Town Meeting Warrant - one to approve a 50% matching grant through the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) and one to approve the project.  The remainder of the project construction will be funded without tax dollars, relying instead on in-kind contributions, donations, and other grants.  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!


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 Fairgrounds Committee and Select Board have worked actively with key stakeholders to propose a second phase of development to be considered by the voters.  

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 attached for reference at the bottom of this page.