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| Congratulations to our 2011 Award Winners!The Facilities of Merit Award recognizes a Maine recreation facility established within the last two years that demonstrates innovation and creativity while increasing local recreational opportunities for diverse users. We have two winners in 2011:Bangor Parks and Recreation For increasing recreational opportunities through renovation of the old Bangor Armory Building 
Bangor Recreation Superintendent Debbie Gendreau and Director of Parks and Recreation Tracy Willette accepted the Facilities of Merit Award on behalf of the Department.
In 1996 the Bangor Parks and Recreation Department moved into the old Bangor Armory building. Until 2010 part of the building's basement was rented to a local business. When that business left, Bangor Parks and Recreation decided to renovate to create new space for programming. To achieve as large an open space as possible, the maintenance department had to totally renovate the 10 room basement to create two distinctive activity rooms. One as a single large room for Karate/Gross Motor play and a three room area for the new before and after school program…"Kids Cave.” Since November 2010 over 40 people a month ranging from age 7 to adult have been attending evening Karate classes, and the room has made other new programs possible including self-defense classes, kids gross motor play, and a cheering class. The Kids Cave Before and After School Program now serves 26 children every day. Town of Old Orchard Beach For restoration of "The Ballpark"  Old Orchard Beach Recreation Coordinator Jen DeRice, Town Manager Jack Turcotte, and Recreation Director Jason Webber accepted the 2011 MRPA Facilities of Merit Award. “The Ballpark” in Old Orchard Beach was constructed in 1984 to be the home for a minor league AAA baseball team, “Maine Guides,” which it was for four years. During that time the facility was described as the “prettiest little ballpark in the country,” by Sports Illustrated. The facility is housed on 25 acres of land, seats 6,300 attendees and has on-site parking for 2500 cars. It has held in excess of 15,000 during concerts on a number of occasions. The facility was built utilizing a private public partnership. While the original concept was to insure 100% financing by the private sector, a variety of events and challenges caused the facility to be mostly dependent on the public sector. After sitting idle for over 15 years, the Ballpark has recently gone through a revitalization. The rebirth of the Ballpark has become one of the great stories in the history of Old Orchard Beach. Progressing over the last two years with a volunteer work force and nearly $300,000 raised in donated funds and materials, a new baseball stadium rose from disrepair. Recently, the Town entered into an agreement with the “Raging Tide” baseball team and will now be the home for this New England Collegiate Baseball League team. In addition to this team’s full schedule, the Ballpark will host nearly 100 games and events this season. The responsibility of overseeing the daily operations of the Ballpark will become that of the OOB Recreation Department. Town Manager Jack Turcotte was in attendance to receive the award on behalf of the Town of Old Orchard Beach. The plaque will be available for display at The Ballpark for all to see. The Ballpark Before Renovations.... ......and After!  
The Citizen Volunteer of the Year Award is awarded to a community volunteer who has made a significant contribution to the development and enhancement of recreation programs, facilities or services. 2011 Recipients: Sharri MacDonald and Linda Mailhot These residents of Old Orchard Beach were recognized as co-recipients of the MRPA "Citizen Volunteer of the Year" Award for their leadership of "OOB365"
Jen DeRice (left) and Jason Webber presented Linda Mailhot and Sharri MacDonald with the MRPA "Citizen Volunteer of the Year" Award. Both Sharri and Linda were recognized for the countless volunteer hours they have contributed to OOB365 as well as for their leadership and successful vision for the organization. The partnership between OOB365 and the Old Orchard Beach Recreation Department has led to many tremendous special events and activities for the community. A non-profit organization, OOB365 was developed by local businesses and private citizens dedicated to developing regularly scheduled, quality activities to promote interest and commerce in Old Orchard Beach. Sharri MacDonald and Linda Mailhot have been the driving force behind the success of this group. Since its inception in 2009, the group has offered annual community events for several thousand participants that include: Taste of OOB, Autumn Celebration, Woofstock, First Night, Winter Carnival, Swap N Shop, Savor the Flavor Progressive Dinners, Community Dinners, Corvette Weekend, Spirit in America Hot Air Balloon Festival, and more. The Distinguished Young Professional Award is granted to a park and recreation professional with a minimum of three years in the field who has demonstrated outstanding performance through innovative programming, partnerships and civic involvement. Special Recognition: Bill Eckart In honor of his decades of service to MRPA and preparing young people for the field, MRPA has renamed the Young Professional of the Year Award the "Dr. Bill Eckart Young Professional Award." 
Bill Eckart addressed the audience at the MRPA Awards Banquet following the announcement that the MRPA Young Professional of the Year Award will be renamed in his honor. In reflecting upon this tribute, Bill noted "I just want to say again how much this recognition means to me. Having something named after you is not something most of us ever even imagine. We aren't like the all-time greats .... people whose names are on buildings and stuff like that. We just do our job, the best we can, and hope it all makes a positive difference for some people. I love parks and recreation. I always have wanted to do whatever I could to further the cause, to help the profession be recognized as a profession, and to help especially young people discover a career in which they could find joy and fulfillment. To have all those things that I have worked for be recognized in this way is just amazing. I am so lucky to have had caring people like you to work with. Thank you all. Thank you to all of MRPA. It has been my pleasure to serve. And I will never forget, any of it, especially Thursday March 31st, 2011." 
Oakland, ME Director of Recreation Eric Seekins presented Bill with the award, joined by Bill's wife Deb Eckart. Dr. Bill Eckart Young Professional of the Year - 2011 Recipient: Angela O'Connor Recreation Coordinator for Kennebunkport Parks and Recreation, Angela is the first recipient of the Dr. Bill Eckart Young Professional Award 
Kennebunkport Parks and Recreation Director Carol Cook (right), presented Angela with the awardOver the last ten years as a part-time and full-time (since 2008) employee of the Kennebunkport Parks and Recreation Department, Angela has earned the respect and admiration of her colleagues as a hard worker with enormous passion for her chosen profession. In nominating Angela, Arundel Parks and Recreation Director Jenn Dumas wrote that Angela "has a can do attitude, even under the most adverse conditions. She is well respected by the families and children she works with..she passes on her knowledge and love of the outdoors to others, and has a great deal of knowledge to share. Her calm, thoughtful demeanor serves her well, and she is an excellent role model for children." Angela is working toward a degree in Therapeutic Recreation from the University of Southern Maine. She is a member of MRPA and the Southern Maine Association of Recreation Technicians (SMART). For the last two years Angela has worked tirelessly as co-chair of the MRPA Annual Conference Committee and done an outstanding job organizing all aspects of the conference.The William V. Haskell Distinguished Professional of the Year Award is granted to a recreation field professional having a minimum of ten years in the field who has demonstrated statewide and/or national leadership as well as outstanding performance through innovative programming, facility development and civic involvement. The award is made in honor of William V. Haskell who served MRPA from its inception and was director of the Presque Isle Parks and Recreation Department from 1946-1981.2011 Recipient: Marcel Blouin Director of Sanford Parks and Recreation Department, Marcel received the William V. Haskell Distinquished Professional of the Year of Award
The William V. Haskell Award was presented to Marcel by three former employees who are now running parks and recreation departments elsewhere in Maine: Cindy Hazelton (Gorham), Carol Cook (Kennebunkport), and Linda Brooks (Standish). Marcel Blouin has served for over 25 years as the Director of Recreation and Public Property for the Town of Sanford and over that time has held numerous MRPA volunteer leadership roles including Treasurer and Board Member. In presenting the award, Cindy Hazelton said "I have known Marcel to be an accomplished, supportive, results driven and constant professional in our field of Parks and Recreation. I am grateful to Marcel for giving me a chance to enter the community recreation field over 20 years ago and I am proud to call him not only my colleague, but my friend. In her letter of nomination, Sandford Recreation Coordinator Lori Hegarty wrote that Marcel "demonstrates an understanding of how municipalities run, and works well with his superiors in keeping them aware of his intentions and visions for the Parks and Recreation Department. He is intelligent and has a natural knack for being analytical which makes him a great department head." Lori adds that Marcel is "an extremely gifted writer of facilities grants... he is well respected by the community and has the ability to complete tasks that no one else is willing to tackle." Marcel shoulders a vast amount of responsibility in addition to recreation programs, including serving as director of the municipal airport; manager of all maintenance for all 20 town-owned buildings; supervisor of street painting, supervisor of the Central Park Ice Skating Rink; manager of local dams; supervisor of cemeteries; supervisor of street signs and main street lights; and coordinator of the July 4th Committee. In 1973 he earned an Associate of Science degree in Forest Management Technology from the University of Maine, where he also earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Recreation and Parks Management in 1976. He is a member of MRPA, NRPA, the Sports Turf Managers Association and currently serves on the Board of Directors of the New England Park Association. Presidential Leadership Award: Cindy Hazelton Director of the Gorham Recreation Department, Cindy was honored for her two years of leadership as MRPA Board President
Incoming Board President Lucky D'Ascanio (right) presented Cindy with the Presidential Leadership Award for her service since April 2009. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------2011 Awards Overview & Criteria
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------2010 WinnersThe 2010 Facilities of Merit Award recipient was Goodall Park in Sanford, Maine, maintained by the Sanford Parks and Recreation Department. Built in 1914 by Goodall Mills, the original park served for decades as a mecca for southern Maine baseball. It hosted barnstorming teams from the South and was the last stadium where Babe Ruth played in a Boston Red Sox uniform before being traded to the Yankees. Sadly, however, the historic park was destroyed by fire in 1998.
MRPA’s Facilities of Merit Awards honors the collective community effort that led to the rebuilding and rebirth of this storied field. The new park was built entirely by local contractors and was paid for through local business and individual contributions. Made of concrete and steel instead of wood, it is almost the same dimensions and, like the old park, seats 800 people. A permanent trust along with annual financial support from the Town of Sanford ensures that maintenance costs and needed capital improvements can continue. Today, Goodall Park is once again at the center of baseball in southern Maine as home to the Sanford High School baseball team and the Sanford Mainers collegiate team of the New England Baseball League. The field is also a regular host of Twilight League games, American Legion games, Little League, and numerous tournaments. The 2010 Citizen Volunteer of the Year was Keith Gray in recognition of his leadership, volunteer service and coaching in theTown of Yarmouth. A native of Gardiner, a graduate of the University of Maine, and an employee of DeLorme Mapping Co for over 25 years, Keith has been an integral part of the Yarmouth community since moving there in 1997. He began his volunteer service with the Yarmouth Boy Scouts and is still an active Cub Scout and Boy Scout leader. Keith led and guided various troop camping and backpacking trips and assisted with many Eagle Scout projects throughout the years. He also assisted with several camping and outdoor adventures with his daughters’ Girl Scout troops. Keith has coached grades 2 & 3 soccer, basketball for grades K through 8th grade, tee ball, instructional baseball for grades k – 2, and is currently a volunteer assistant coach for the Yarmouth High School softball team. Notes Yarmouth Community Service Program Supervisor Tori MacDonald, “Keith’s calm demeanor, extensive knowledge of sports and ability to coach children at an age appropriate level makes him one of our star coaches. He is a perfect role model for our young athletes.” When asked to be a member of the newly formed Yarmouth Sports and Recreation Committee in 2009, he accepted without hesitation and has been a valued member. In presenting the award, Marcia Noyes, Director of Yarmouth Community Services, said “It has been a privilege for us to be able to work with Keith and see his true passion for the community in which he lives and works. Keith is an all around nice guy, with a big heart and a true sense of what community is really about. Keith, thank you for your commitment and the many hours you have spent helping others enjoy their recreational pursuits. We can’t think of a more deserving person than Keith Gray for the MRPA 2010 Citizen Volunteer of the Year Award.” The Outstanding Service in Therapeutic Recreation Award was given in 2010 to Dr. Linda Meyer, a member of the University of Southern Maine faculty since 1980.
Linda is a highly regarded leader in the therapeutic recreation field not only in Maine but across the country. In addition to teaching a wide variety of courses and supervising countless student interns, Linda is a regular presenter at conferences and has developed the Recreation Assistive Technology Exchange a web site that provides invaluable information for TR professionals on assistive recreation devices and accessible recreation resources.
A longtime MRPA and NRPA member, she has been the editor and regular contributor of therapeutic recreation articles in the MRPA newsletter and other publications. In nominating Linda for the award, Professor Bill McCullough, Department Chair, USM Dept. of Recreation and Leisure Studies, observed, “What strikes me most about her contribution to the field of Therapeutic Recreation here in Maine are the numerous Recreation Therapists I come in contact with who say how challenging her classes were but also how caring she was about their development as professionals and how consistently passionate she has been about delivering quality services to those with disabilities. I can think of no one more deserving of this award.” Our 2010 Distinguished Young Professional Award went to Tammy Legere, Assistant Director for Kennebunk Recreation. In her ten years with Kennebunk Recreation, Tammy has designed many new programs and implemented them in a hands-on manner, earning her the respect and admiration of community citizens of all ages. As comfortable organizing large-scale events as sitting behind the wheel of a bus, Tammy is a tireless worker who is passionate about promoting healthy lifestyles and her dedication extends far beyond the workplace. As a volunteer, she heads up the Town of Kennebunk Wellness Committee through which she organizes a number of annual events for her co-workers such as Lunch and Learn programs and family bowling nights. She is a driving force on the high school Athletic Boosters committee, and has put a great deal of effort into developing a youth wrestling program in town to be used as a feeder program for the high school wrestling team. As a member of the MRPA Spring Conference Planning Committee, she has brought her energy, dedication, and fun ideas. In presenting the Award, Arundel Recreation Director Jenn Dumas shared these thoughts about Tammy: “She is an innovative, creative, imaginative thinker who responds to the needs of the community she serves, and inspires those she works with. She is responsible. She is a wonderful resource to tap into when new ideas are needed. She has a huge heart and a great sense of humor. She is genuine and altruistic, and one of the hardest workers I know. She is also a dedicated mother and wife. In humble fashion, she proves the passion she has for her life’s work each and every day.” The 2010 William V. Haskell Distinguished Professional of the Year was awarded to Tracy Willette, Parks and Recreation Director for the City of Bangor. After earning a degree in Physical Education from Plymouth State College in Plymouth, NH, Tracy entered the profession working in the maintenance department for the city of Brewer. He then traveled to the City of Waterville to become the Recreation Programmer where his work and dedication quickly proved an incredible asset to the City. He expanded the annual youth basketball tournament by several fold and developed numerous new programs including the Father/Daughter Valentines Dance, Mother/Son dance, and a wide variety of summer camp activities, sports programs and special events. In 1999, he became the Superintendent of Recreation for the city of Bangor. Nine years later, he filled the position of Parks and Recreation Director. In addition to managing the day-to-day operations of the Parks and Recreation Center, he is responsible for the management, maintenance and scheduling of all the parks, playgrounds and trails. Tracy oversees the City’s waterfront, as well as many facilities including Sawyer Arena, Mansfield Stadium, Union Street Athletic complex and Bangor Municipal Golf Course. Tracy has served on the MRPA board of directors for nearly a decade, two of which were President, and has worked tirelessly on multiple boards and committees to benefit parks and recreation throughout Maine. For many years he served as conference co-chair for both the Northern New England Conference and the MRPA Annual conference. He is a member of the Maine Trails Advisory Committee and Healthy Maine Walks. Beyond his many Parks and Recreation activities, Tracy serves as an advisory board member for the City of Brewer, a member of St. Joseph’s Parish Council, and as a member of the Bangor Police Athletic League Board. He is also the Maine ASA District 4 Umpire in Chief and is an official with the Bangor Chapter Maine Association of Football Officials. In his letter of nomination, Bangor City Manager Edward Barrett wrote, “Tracy has begun to place his imprint on our department and taken steps to move what has always been a good parks and recreation program toward becoming a great one. Over his twenty-year career in the field, Tracy has provided outstanding service to the cities he has served, the profession that he champions and the citizens who enjoy outdoor recreations and the natural beauty of Maine brought home to its urban centers." Congratulations to our 2010 Award Winners! Link to photo Tracy Willette and Debbie Gendreau at award presentationPhoto Caption: Bangor Recreation Superintendent Debbie Gendreau and Director of Parks and Recreation Tracy Willette accepted the Facilities of Merit Award on behalf of the Department.
Link to photo of Mayor Jack Turcotte and OOB recreation department staff receiving awardPhoto caption: Old Orchard Beach Recreation Coordinator Jen DeRice, Town Manager Jack Turcotte, and Recreation Director Jason Webber accepted the 2011 MRPA Facilities of Merit Award.
Link to photo of The Ballpark after renovation Link to photo of Citizen Volunteer of the Year award presentation Photo caption: Jen DeRice (left) and Jason Webber presented Linda Mailhot and Sharri MacDonald with the MRPA "Citizen Volunteer of the Year" Award.
Link to photo of Bill Eckart Link to photo of Bill Eckart receiving award Photo caption: Oakland, ME Director of Recreation Eric Seekins presented Bill with the award, joined by Bill's wife Deb Eckart.
Link to photo of Angela O’Connor receiving award Photo caption: Kennebunkport Parks and Recreation Director Carol Cook (right), presented Angela with the award.
Link to photo of Marcel Blouin receiving award Photo caption: The William V. Haskell Award was presented to Marcel by three former employees who are now running parks and recreation departments elsewhere in Maine: Cindy Hazelton (Gorham), Carol Cook (Kennebunkport), and Linda Brooks (Standish). Link to photo of Cindy Hazelton receiving award Photo Caption: Incoming Board President Lucky D'Ascanio (right) presented Cindy with the Presidential Leadership Award for her dedicated service since April 2009.
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