BRIDGTON – A strategic corridor to Pondicherry Park has been secured through a family’s donation.
Frank and Nicky Howell and their children, Justin and Ali Kiger, have made the donation through Snapdragon LLC, the family’s real estate and intellectual property holding company. Snapdragon holds the property for the Magic Lantern and Down East Inc. in downtown Bridgton.
“Snapdragon’s board really believes Pondicherry Park is a wonderful addition to the town,” said Frank Howell, president and chief executive officer of Down East and the managing member of Snapdragon. “With so many people working hard to make the park come together, we are delighted and very happy to find a way that we could support it as well.”
The donation will allow construction of a trail leading from the Bridgton Community Center to the Bob Dunning Memorial Bridge, the gateway to Pondicherry Park.
“Frank and his family and company have unlocked the entry to the park for downtown Bridgton,” said Peter Lowell, executive director of the Lakes Environmental Association. “Without this easement it would be impossible to get to the park from downtown.”
The Lakes Environmental Association and Loon Echo Land Trust are leading the Pondicherry Park campaign. Since late 2005, 59 acres have been secured and $525,260 in cash raised. About $262,000 is still needed to purchase a six-acre field adjacent to the park, and to build bridges and install benches, trail signs and entry kiosks.
The park’s fundraising committee is awaiting word from the Maine Department of Transportation on a grant that could provide support for construction of the 60-foot Bob Dunning Bridge, as well as the Kendall C. and Anna Ham Charitable Foundation Bridge, which will link Stevens Brook Elementary School to the park.
“To be able to walk from Main Street down along the brook to the (Dunning) bridge and into Pondicherry Park is something that other towns can only dream about,” Howell said. “We certainly understand how important the park is to the town and we’re very happy to support it. We applaud the efforts of LEA, Loon Echo, the town of Bridgton and all the participants who are making Pondicherry Park possible.”
Once the status of the MDOT grant is announced, this year’s work plan for the bridges will be developed. As soon as spring arrives, volunteers will resume marking the trails and start installing amenities such as entry kiosks and benches. The park is currently accessible via entryways at Willett Road and South High Street.
“The gift of a trail easement by Snapdragon LLC demonstrates the commitment of area businesses to Pondicherry Park.
For more information on the park, visit www.pondicherrypark.org or contact Peter Lowell, 647-8580, or [email protected], or Carrie Walia, 647-4352, [email protected].
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