The community recreation space at Otisfield Town Office opened to the public on June 11. Supplied photo

OTISFIELD — With phase one completed, Otisfield’s new community recreation project officially opened for public use on June 11. The playground and courts are located at Municipal Headquarters at 403 Oxford Road.

“The two pickle ball courts are complete and being used by the community,” Recreation Director Molly Bielby shared in an email statement. “We decided to make a separate spot for the basketball hoop. One has been placed at the community hall and for the other, a second spot is to be determined.”

Work on the project began in late summer of last year and met its target completion date in time for this summer. Funding for the recreation space came from an American Rescue Plan Act grant for $90,000 and revenue gained from selling a tax acquired property for $80,000. No taxpayer monies have been used.

If there are any further associated costs, it will be covered by fund-raising activities, according to Bielby.

Young Otisfield residents Meara Bielby, left, and Milly Dietrich soak up the sun on top of the geo dome climber at Otisfield’s new recreation park at the town office. Submitted photo

Bielby has testimonials from Otisfield’s youngest citizens and their parents that prove the recreation space was a great decision by the town.

“I love it! I love it all!”, says Izzy Merhalski, nine. “It’s such an amazing place! I love being able to meet my friends to play there!”

Said her younger brother Duncan, seven: “the new playground is fun and awesome! I especially love the giant spinning thing!”

“I am so grateful for this new community gathering place, where the kids can play, and friendships can grow,” added their mother, Anna Merhalski. “Being able to enjoy quality time with other mom friends, while watching our kiddos have fun together in a well-equipped, safe, and creative play space like this…it’s honestly priceless.”

“I love the playground so much I don’t even have words!” was seven-year-old Mila Minas’ review. “It makes me so happy to play there with my friends and family!”

“It hasn’t been the best weather to start summer off, but we had an incredible turn out for our opening day,” Bielby wrote. “On the days where the weather has cooperated the playground has been enjoyed by many families. We went after school three times and there were five or more families there each time.”

The playground equipment at Otisfield’s Community Recreation Field is open and getting plenty of use. Pictured at left is Ronan Bielby providing running power while Lenna Minas (center) finds her footing and Monroe Robinson (second from right) takes a safe seat for the ride. Submitted photo

Behind the town office and beyond the playground, additional land has been improved into field space and seeded. It will be the focus of a second phase for the project: erecting a gazebo with stage.

In addition to live performances, Bielby said the town will hold events like community movie nights and picnics during summer seasons, holiday celebrations like Easter egg hunts, and winter carnival activities.

The space also includes walking paths, plenty of seating and public restroom facilities.