Orrington wants Guard to help construct park> Skating area, walking track part of proposed multiuse athletic facility planned for site near Route 15

ORRINGTON — Selectmen on Monday instructed the town manager to ask the Maine National Guard for help in building a community park.

Mel Coombs, chairman of the Orrington Park Committee, which is heading the proposal to develop the multiuse park, asked the selectmen Monday night to seek the assistance.

Coombs pointed out that the National Guard last year did some groundwork for a new playground next to the Pendleton School in Brewer, and each year it provides volunteer service to communities and groups throughout the state.

He said he hoped the Guardsmen would do some earthwork for the new park, but that he would take any help offered.

The proposed park is to be located on a town-owned lot about a mile in from Route 15 on Center Drive, next to the public works garage.

The park will feature basketball courts, tennis courts, an ice skating rink in the winter and an in-line skating area in the summer. A walking track will surround the facility. The new park will not include soccer, baseball or softball fields because those needs are already being met by school athletic fields.

The estimated cost of the park will be available by the May 13 public hearing on the municipal budget, Coombs said.

During Monday’s meeting, selectmen also rejected a request by the Police Department to hold onto the old cruiser.

Community Policing Officer Paul Gaucher and Deputy Constable Dain Bryant presented the selectmen with a proposal to keep the old cruiser in service to use for the Drug Abuse Resistance Education program, known as D.A.R.E., and some community policing.

The officers argued that using the older vehicle would extend the life of the new cruiser. The old cruiser could be put into action for about $1,000 to cover insurance, tires and other parts.

Selectmen Howard Grover said that a month ago the old cruiser was called a piece of junk that had to be replaced.

The officers and Selectman Normand Gogan disagreed. Gogan countered that the town couldn’t make much selling the old cruiser and that it would be a good idea to have a spare vehicle in town.

Grover said he knew a man who would pay $2,000 for the old vehicle.

After considerable discussion, much of it with members of the audience attending the meeting who were opposed to creating a two-cruiser Police Department, selectmen voted 4-1 not to retain the old cruiser.

Selectmen also discussed a request to have the town take over responsibility for maintaining the Grant Road. But selectmen were not interested in assuming the responsibility.

The road runs in from Route 15 to a town-owned gravel pit on the edge of the Penobscot River. When the town bought the pit from the city of Brewer, it aquired a public way allowing the town to use the road, but it did not formally accept the road. The owners of the last house on the road, the former Grant farm, continue to be responsible for maintaining the road.

Town Manager Candy Guerette said she suggested that all of the property owners get together and form a road association that would be fair to all.