Search Maine Yellow Pages 
Log In | Register | Help
Morning Sentinel
Lake George eyes more programs Fundraising campaign well past last year's goal, on way to nearly double that
BY MORNING SENTINEL STAFF Kennebec Journal & Morning Sentinel 05/08/2008

SKOWHEGAN -- Lake George Regional Park's 15th season opens with a $50,000 fundraising campaign, almost double last year's goal.

"Without going up on user fees, we need to really target a source to bring in money," said Park Director Jeff McCabe. "It's the operating money for the park. The grants are for specific projects and programs. We need to be able to run the park and buy toilet paper, for that we rely on general funding."

Supporters of the popular recreation area are only $15,000 away from success, according to McCabe. He said they met a $27,000 goal last year and already this year have raised $35,000 toward the Fall 2008 objective, with an eye toward increased programming.

McCabe and park officials believe the park will be used even more this year as the price of gasoline soars and people look for recreation closer to home.

"The park is a local treasure. It is referred to as a local asset and a local resource," McCabe said. "Fifteen classes are using the park for field trips because of cuts in transportation. We have to come up with programming."

The 320-acre park that overlooks a lake about the same size, provides walking and hiking trails, 15 miles of cross country ski trails, boat launches, public beaches, picnic areas, biking and equestrian trails, summer day camps, educational programming and "some of the best bird-watching around," according to McCabe.

He said there also are bath houses on the east and west sides of the lake, a social hall on the west side and other smaller buildings for family reunions, barbecues and group functions.

Land also was purchased in 2002 with money from the Land for Maine's Future and foundation grants.

The legacy of Lake George is inspiring, according to McCabe, who points to its history as a youth camp. Before the regional park was established in 1993, both the east and west side of the inlet belonged to Camp Modin, a summer camp for boys and girls who came from outside the area.

The state purchased the land for the park before 1997 and leased it to operators of the park, which straddles the Skowhegan-Canaan town line. The park is leased to both towns and run by the nonprofit Lake George Corp. The board is comprised of five people appointed by selectmen from each town.

The park, which survives on donations, fundraisers and gate fees, also is helped by extensive volunteer and internship programs and grants.

Currently, he said, registration is under way for the $60-a-head Spring Dinner and children already are signing up for Camp Podooc, the two-week summer camp for grades one to 6. Registration is at the Skowhegan Community Center.

McCabe said the annual fundraising auction in November was one of the park's biggest ever, drawing more than 200 people and grossing about $12,000. New Balance grants have been used to get supplies for programming, finishing the interior of the education center and museum and to get educational supplies and signage.

"The park has been built and sustained by volunteers, friends, family members, civic groups and area businesses donating time, money and products," McCabe said.

Darla L. Pickett -- 474-9534, Ext. 341

dpickett@centralmaine.com

Bookmark and share this story: digg del.icio.us Reddit


Reader comments

Click here to view or add reader comments