Foxcroft Academy, Libra Foundation to hold first public meeting on ‘Piscataquis County Ice Arena’ next month

DOVER-FOXCROFT — On Wednesday, Nov. 28 administrators from Foxcroft Academy and representatives from the Libra Foundation met for the first time with local town officials in regard to the newly named Piscataquis County Ice Arena being built in Dover-Foxcroft.

In July, the Libra Foundation broke ground on the new $5 million arena with the hopes of returning ice sports and bringing other activities to the greater Dover-Foxcroft area. Since then, outside infrastructure is being finished before the weather changes, and then, work inside the building will take center stage. The facility is expected to open this coming summer.

Photo courtesy of Foxcroft Academy
PISCATAQUIS COUNTY ICE ARENA — The ice arena being built on West Main Street in Dover-Foxcroft has been named as the “Piscataquis County Ice Arena.” In July, the Libra Foundation broke ground on the new $5 million arena with the hopes of returning ice sports and bringing other activities to the greater Dover-Foxcroft area. Since then, outside infrastructure is being finished before the weather changes, and then, work inside the building will take center stage. The facility, which will be managed by Foxcroft Academy, is expected to open this summer. The first public meeting will be Jan. 8, 2019.

“The reason for this gathering was to allow local officials to hear directly from Libra on their vision for the building,” said Arnold Shorey, Foxcroft Academy head of school. “Both Libra and FA want area residents to understand this arena is being constructed for the community, not just Foxcroft Academy, as the name of the building states. We will just be responsible for the day-to-day operations under the current agreement.”

Jere Michelson, president of the Libra Foundation, announced the name of the building, reviewed the design of the structure, and candidly answered questions. Most questions centered on how to keep the building sustainable and the prospects of reintroducing hockey to the region. “We feel that this is a great opportunity for the community and it will have a positive impact on the region. We plan to support operations for a period of time until the programs can support incurred expenses.”

Michaelson also introduced Andrew Jacobs, the new director of the Piscataquis County Ice Arena. “We are pleased to have Andrew on board to help us get this new facility up and running,” Michaelson said. “He brings a wealth of knowledge to the table, and we will use him as a valuable resource for making this building thrive.”

A public meeting about this project is planned for Tuesday, Jan. 8, 2019 — a time and location for the evening session will be announced.

‘We are so appreciative to the Libra Foundation for this great opportunity for the region,” said Dr. Richard Swett, president of the Foxcroft Academy Board of Trustees. “Together with the help of the community, we plan to maximize these opportunities.”