The best remedy for those who are afraid, lonely or unhappy is to go outside, somewhere where they can be quiet, alonewith the heavens, nature and God. Because only then does one feel that all is as it should be and that God wishes to seepeople happy, amidst the simple beauty of nature. As long as this exists, and it certainly always will, I know that then there will always be comfort for every sorrow, whatever the circumstances may be. And I firmly believe that naturbrings solace in all troubles.
~ Anne Frank ~
Matthew Record Memorial Park and Trail
We are building small memorial park
in memory of Matthew Record
Matthew was part of The Progress Center family for many years. His family, friends and Progress Center family were deeply saddened when he left us. Matthew's parents wished to do something in his memory that would brighten the days of those he left behind. What better way to honor his memory than by creating a park for his friends and others to in the community to enjoy. This park is partially funded by contributions of family members and friends donated upon Matt’s death in 2006. There is an existing trail from the parking lot of The Progress Center to the Norway Railroad Trail. The section from the Progress Center to the Railroad Trail is only accessible in the summer due to wet lands and lack of adequate clearing. This project will enhance this connecting trail, add wheelchair accessible loops to the trail and build environmentally acceptable bridges. This will be done in three phases over three years.
When completed, the Matthew Record Park and Trail at 35 Cottage Street will be available to the public on weekends and evenings. The park will feature picnic tables, sitting benches, a wheel chair swing and small viewing gardens. Wooden plant signs will be created by The Progress Center consumers to help educate and add value to the park. Those served by The Progress Center will utilize the park for fitness, relaxation and gardening projects. It is also hoped that local families, as well as people needing wheel chair access to enjoy nature, will take advantage of the park.
The Progress Center currently performs volunteer activities throughout Oxford Hills. We have a wealth of people who seek to give back to their community. Maintaining the park and the trails will be part of their monthly programming.
We have approximately 5 acres at our Cottage Street location, most of which is wooded. It is in this wooded area that our trail system will be located. We hope to have the park located in a cleared area near our Administration Building. The trail will start at the park and, when completed, will make 2 loops through the wooded area then connect to the existing Railroad Trail.
A "before" picture of where the
Below are three "before" pictures of one area where a trail will be.
Larry doing tree work before
the volunteers arrive.
PHASE 1 - Work begins
The kick off for Phase 1 was June 6th and 7th. On Friday we had volunteers from New Balance, Androscoggin Learning and Transition Center, Voc. Rehab., and Norway Savings Bank, joining our folks to help clear brush, remove small trees and clear their way through years of undergrowth. Also helping was Jean Record, mother of Matt Record for whom the park is named.
Saturday was another work day. We were able to complete our goal for the first part of Phase 1. A special "Thank You" goes out to our Spring Street Home for helping out.
The wonderful folks that volunteered from
Androscoggin Learning and Transition Center, Lewiston, ME
New Balance, our neighbors across the street, sent us four great folks, Spike Ward,
Suzanne Killen, Dave Zutter and Erin Laliberty, to help us with our project.
 
Tina Rhuland, Norway Savings Bank, Beth Coombs, Voc. Rehab, loading a
taking a break. trailer with limbs.
 
Deb Anthony, Executive Director of Jean Record, Board of Directors - The
The Progress Center, spent two days Progress Center, and mother of Matt
helping with the first work days of Record for whom the memorial park is named.
Phase 1 of the 3 year project.
The Saturday work group included the folks at Spring Street,
Deb Anthony, Priscilla Burnette and Larry Jordan.
Friday Work Days
The past few Fridays our folks, staff and volunteers have been continuing the effort to clear the brush and rubble to make way for the first loop in the trail system. As fast as areas are cleared chairs, benches and flowers are added.
Hauling away some of the rubble. Are they playing pick-up-sticks?
Below are some of the "after" pictures. These were taken on June 20th.
 
Below are photos taken July 21, 2008. We've cleared everything for Phase 1
now we're ready for the first wheelchair paths to be put in.
Looking from the entrance of the path to the park area.
Looking from the park toward the trail.
Along the path.
A quiet place along the way.
Rough going until the wheelchair path is in.
Bruce and Fred working on a bench for the trail.
The finished product. Looks great doesn't it!!
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