ROCKPORT — Sanford businessman H. Allen Mapes was recently honored by Maine Energy Marketers Association for his 60 years of service to the organization.

Mapes, of gasoline distributor H. A. Mapes Inc., a third-generation family business headquartered in Springvale, used the opportunity to speak to more than 100 energy leaders from across New England about his latest project ”“ a theme park in Sanford.

“I want you to all mark on your calendars in five years that we will be holding this event in Sanford at our new theme park,” said Mapes.

“That is typical Allen; on a day to honor him, he shines the light on his community,” said Jamie Py, executive director of the Maine Energy Marketers Association. “I wouldn’t bet against him on this one.”

The proposed theme park will be a four-season destination facility located in south Sanford. Stakeholders say the initial feasibility study for the multi-million dollar facility has been positive, and the group is currently targeting major investors to move the project forward.

Mapes has been a leader in the Sanford community since the 1950s, when the textile mills closed and he and others sought to bring new businesses to Sanford.

A devoted baseball fan, more recently, he spearheaded the creation of the Sanford Mainers baseball team and the refurbishing of Goodall Park.

The Maine Energy Markets Association has more than 350 members including heating oil, propane, biofuels, pellets, electricity, motor fuels providers and convenience store owners who serve more than 415,000 Maine households.

Py said MEMA also has more than 180 associate members that provide goods and services to Maine’s petroleum dealers and their customers.