Rangeley board explores expanding gazebo plan into pavilion using potential LWCF match

Rangeley town volunteers and staff spent the bulk of their Jan. 15 meeting discussing whether to expand a planned gazebo project into a larger pavilion and whether to fold additional park improvements into a single Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) grant application.

A resident asked whether the fire commission or other groups had considered building both a gazebo and a pavilion; participants said the concept had shifted from a small gazebo toward a rectangular pavilion designed to host events, music and outdoor performances. Town Manager Joe and other board members said money already appropriated could be carried forward but only "for its original intended purpose" unless town‑meeting language permitted otherwise.

Speakers discussed the LWCF as a potential source of funds. One participant said discussions with a LWCF contact, Matt Kenyon, indicated the town‑owned park could be eligible and that the program could provide a 50% match with a match cap described in the meeting as "$1,000,000". "If we're successful with the application, up to 50% — up to a match of $1,000,000," a speaker said, adding that bundling items now could reduce the number of later phases.

Board members listed items they would like to consider for a consolidated application if eligibility allows: ADA access to the beach, improved lighting, a pavilion/stage area for plays and movies, additional dock slips and other phase‑2 amenities. Several members urged caution: any change to previously appropriated money should reflect the spirit of what town meeting intended.

Members discussed alternate locations, including the aquatic or Quasi Park, noting that shifting funds would hinge on the wording of the original town‑meeting article. "If the wording is right, then we can shift that money to the Quasi Park instead of the Town Park," one member said, stressing that legal or procedural review was necessary before reassigning funds.

The board agreed to research application deadlines and firm up wording before the next meeting, and asked members to bring additional ideas so staff can prepare a consolidated scope if the LWCF application window is practical.

Next steps: staff will confirm LWCF eligibility and deadlines, review town‑meeting language and return with a recommendation at the next meeting.