RANGELEY — A $1.19 million project to improve Lakeside Park will address safety, functionality, handicap access, maintenance and operations.

The first of several public workshops on the plan is set for 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 27, in the conference room at the Town Office. Topics will include drainage and sidewalk improvements, Town Manager Tim Pellerin said.

Voters authorized selectmen on Oct. 7 to enter into one or more agreements to improve the park and borrow up to $900,000, Pellerin said.

The estimated payments for up to 20 years would range from $22,950 to $47,542. The overall cost is estimated at $1.19 million, based on an estimated 3.8 percent interest. 

The project will include drainage, a new bathhouse, new playground equipment and work on the sidewalk and entrance to the park. The park is off Main Street and borders Rangeley Lake.

“The whole park needs improvement,” Pellerin said.

Discussion about the project began eight years ago with the initial price tag of $1.7 million, he said. Voters rejected it so selectmen scaled down the project and cost.

dperry@sunmediagroup.net