Park popping up in Union Square

To the Editor;

What is a pop up park? It is a way to create a public space without spending a bundle. Dover-Foxcroft Downtowners — made up of business owners, residents, and the Town — plan a pop up park this summer at Union Square in the middle of Dover-Foxcroft’s historic downtown.

The Dover-Foxcroft Downtowners group is part of the Maine Downtown Center, which works to grow economic vitality in select Maine towns and cities. Businesses, residents, and the Town have been working together since Dover-Foxcroft was selected as a Network Community by the Maine Downtown Center in 2010.

Already in 2016, the volunteer group has (1) achieved semi-final status in a national contest— Stihl’s Main Street Contest; (2) organized a downtown cleanup with 27 volunteers washing windows, weed whacking, planting and sweeping Main Street; and (3) increased the number of trash cans downtown from zero to four, where each trash can is “managed” by a business.

A pop up space is no cost or low cost. And, it is temporary. If it works — if firetrucks and cars move easily, if businesses see more foot traffic, and if people enjoy Union Square — the Dover-Foxcroft Downtowners will find funding for a more permanent park with benches, trees, and a clock.

Dover-Foxcroft Downtowners ask for your support. Visit our Facebook page, tell your neighbors about Union Square pop up park, and think of local business first when you need something. Help create pride in our downtown by saying, “Meet me at Union Square!”

Janet Sawyer
Dover-Foxcroft
Downtowner Volunteer