BANGOR – A gift of $25,000 from L.L. Bean has put the Friends of Dakin Pool over the top in their effort to fund improvements to the recreational facility on the city’s East Side.

The group received the gift on Dec. 21 in support of Summer in the City – The Campaign for Dakin Pool.

The gift will name the new pool house to be constructed at the Dakin Pool complex in the spring of 2007.

Honorary Campaign Chairman W. Tom Sawyer Jr. said of L.L. Bean’s gift, “We are delighted to have L.L. Bean here in Bangor, and we are deeply honored to have earned their support for this important community campaign. L.L. Bean is synonymous with outdoor recreation and activity, and the renovations they are helping to fund at Dakin Pool will enhance the quality of life for the families and children who live here for generations to come.”

The Dakin Park Pool is located at the end of Pine Street just past Stillwater Avenue, across from Broadway Park.

The $100,000 capital campaign – Summer in the City – was launched exactly six months before the announcement of the L.L. Bean gift, on the first day of summer, June 21.

Funds raised will support five distinct areas at the Dakin Pool complex:

. A new 28-by-36-foot pool house to include restrooms, a first aid station, lifeguard office, and outside showers.

. A new fence to create a large grassy picnic and play area adjacent to the pool.

. Repairs to the pool deck.

. A new walkway.

. A new 10-by-14-foot equipment building to house the pool pump and filtration system.

According to Friends of Dakin Pool President Mike Robinson, the L.L. Bean gift pushes the campaign total to $142,058.

“Thanks to the extraordinary response of our donors, we will be able to make additional improvements at the pool not included in the original plan, such as picnic tables and equipment for the play area. We will see a whole new look for Dakin Pool next June,” Robinson said.

He expressed thanks on behalf of everyone involved with the campaign to the 165 individuals and businesses that contributed to the effort. Bangor Mayor Richard Greene also thanked those participating in the campaign.

While gifts are still being received, a final tally will be announced in January.

Friends of Dakin Pool representatives are working closely with Bangor city staff on the pool complex renovations, which are scheduled to be complete when the pool opens in mid-June for the 2007 season.

On June 30, 1956, the city of Bangor opened its first public swimming pool in Dakin Park. The pool was constructed on land left to the city by Eugene Dakin, founder of a Bangor bicycle shop.

For the past 50 years Dakin Pool has provided summer recreation to tens of thousands of residents of Bangor’s East Side.

L.L. Bean Inc. is a leading retailer of outdoor gear and apparel. Founded in 1912 by Leon Leonwood Bean, the company began in Freeport as a one-room operation selling a single product, the Maine Hunting Shoe.

While its business has grown substantially, L.L. Bean still upholds the values of its founder and continues his dedication to quality, customer service and a love of the outdoors. Visit L.L. Bean anytime at llbean.com or at the Bangor store at 534 Stillwater Ave.

The Friends of Dakin Pool is a nonprofit organization run by community volunteers set up to raise funds to preserve and improve the Dakin Pool complex. For more information visit www.dakinpool.com.