FREEPORT
Durham, Freeport and Pownal voters will decide tomorrow whether to spend $1.5 million for a new, eight-lane track and field at Freeport High School.
That’s the balance left on a $4 million project. Supporters of the private, non-profit association Tri- Town Track and Field have collected $2.3 million in pledges toward that goal.
Two article questions are on the ballot. Article 1 is in regards to track and field construction. Article 2 adds lights, which would allow for night games. Together, the increase in property taxes over a 10-year bond is under $20 for the first year.
More people at a Dec. 7 public forum spoke in favor of the project than against, including several students. “It would be a great source of community pride, and team pride,” said FHS student Lily Horne.
Freeport resident John Paterson wrote in a Times Record guest column of the values instilled in students when they play sports or participate in extracurricular activities.
“By itself, athletics does not make for a quality education. But it is undeniably one element of comprehensive educational experience consisting of academics, arts and drama and sports. Every study done on the subject demonstrates that students involved in sports and extracurricular activities get better grades, have lower dropout rates and lower drug, alcohol and tobacco use,” Paterson wrote.
However, questions have been raised over the proposed use of artificial turf.
“I am not against RSU 5 having a nice field and track,” wrote Freeport resident Joyce Veilleux in a letter to the editor. “I am against the synthetic track.”
That’s also a point addressed by Paterson.
“Some well-intentioned residents oppose the turf field, apparently on environmental or safety grounds. Simply stated, there is NO evidence to support either of those objections,” wrote Paterson.
At the December hearing, other residents said the influx of more people in the densely settled downtown to attend at-home track meets may become unbearable.
“We’re in the middle of all the people already,” said Freeport resident Kathleen Meade.
Polling places:
Freeport: Town Council Chambers, 30 Main St., 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Pownal: Mallett Hall, 429 Hallowell Road, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Durham: Durham Community School, 654 Hallowell Road, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
lconnell@timesrecord.com
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