Kennebunk selectmen are set to consider plans for an open-air pavilion at the site of the town’s Main Street skating rink at their next meeting, set for Tuesday.

While the plans are moving forward quickly, we hope the board will hear out Town Manager Barry Tibbetts’ plan to transform the site into a year-round hub for family friendly activities. Tibbetts said the venue could be used for concerts, comedy, theater, farmers markets and martial arts demonstrations.

The town has already secured an endowment of $1.5 million from the Geraldine Waterhouse family, which is intended for the upkeep of a planned skating rink. Skating has taken place at the former Mobil gas station for the past few years, but thanks to the endowment and the town’s purchase of two compressors, a permanent rink will be a feature of the downtown for many years to come.

Although the numbers for Tibbetts’ vision are not yet public, this plan ”“ if financially viable ”“ could be a great addition to Kennebunk’s Main Street.

After successful revitalization of the area ”“ new sidewalks, crosswalks, pavers, plantings and other improvements to Main Street via the Tax Increment Financing fund ”“ continuing the grow and diversify the downtown will only mean good things for Kennebunk.

While Kennebunkport needs little to draw visitors and residents to popular Dock Square, Kennebunk has seen downtown businesses open and close throughout the economic downturn and its aftermath. Making improvements and getting more publicity for all that Main Street has to offer will ensure tourists and even area residents spend their time ”“ and money ”“ in the town.

We realize that Kennebunk residents will have to foot much of the bill for the planned high school renovations and other improvements to district schools, so we hope Tibbetts keeps that in mind when looking at the cost of this new pavilion and possible funding sources.

Although about $400,000 is leftover from the town’s sale of the Cousens School, it would be nice if the town could utilize grants or other TIF-type monies that are already earmarked for such development. Finding funding that doesn’t come from the regular budget would mean the town gets another major asset without using money that could help offset taxes.

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Today’s editorial was written by Managing Editor Kristen Schulze Muszynski on behalf of the Journal Tribune Editorial Board. Questions? Comments? Contact Kristen by calling 282-1535, ext. 322, or via email at kristenm@journaltribune.com.