BRIDGTON – Bridgton is on the move, and the latest signs of it are the shoots of grass starting to pop up at the BRAG complex just off Route 302, not too far from the Naples line.

The dream of residents wanting better recreation facilities in the town some 13 years ago, the Bridgton Community Recreation Complex celebrated a groundbreaking in June and has been leveled and a drainage system has been installed. After years of fundraising and some doubts as to whether the dream would ever become reality, the Bridgton Recreation Advancement Group’s multi-purpose, 19-acre field and court complex is slowly but surely taking shape. And those are very welcome developments to those who’ve been advancing the concept, raising money and generally persevering to make it happen.

“BRAG began with a dedicated group over a decade ago and we all had to learn how to become politicians and lawyers and engineers and make our mistakes and learn from our mistakes on our own. Everybody has contributed and everybody has sacrificed,” said Publicity Chairman Jon Evans of the dozens of board members who have served over the years. The board now has 11 members, all of whom, he said, are excited to see the fields starting to take shape.

The complex, which was approved by Bridgton voters several years ago, will primarily serve the Bridgton Recreation Department. Once up and running, the town’s taxpayers will bear the responsibility for paying for maintenace and operation of the facility, but BRAG board members hope much of the costs can be offset by events. Since the complex will boast several types of athletic fields as well as basketball and tennis courts, many types of tourneys can be held including softball, baseball, soccer, lacrosse, football. In addition, the group is hoping to hold soccer camps, 3-on-3 basketball tourneys, and perhaps tennis tournaments.

“Our main goal is to cater to the local rec programs but also to be an enticement for travel soccer tournaments or baseball tournaments or festivals so that we can maximize the facility so it’s not a financial burden to the town. That’s very important to the BRAG group and always has been,” Evans said.

BRAG Vice President Larry Carter, who runs several baseball and softball leagues in the area, eyes the BRAG complex as the potential home for regional tournaments for Cal Ripken Baseball or Babe Ruth Softball. “The goal is to bring in additional tournaments and to provide more baseball fields for tournaments,” he said.

But there’s still a long way to go before any children start playing on the fields. According to BRAG President Bill Macdonald, general manager of Macdonald Motors located across Route 302 from the BRAG complex, the fields will require a season or two before withstanding the rigors of tournament play. Next summer, he said the softball and baseball diamonds will be etched into place, a concession stand built and septic system installed.

“I would go so far as to say this is a fulfillment of a dream. This is exceeding my hopes. We’ve been through quite a process here so far including doubt about the project, doubt about our group at times, but we keep persevering and not for any wealth or fame. This is about doing the right thing for the town, fulfilling a need for the town,” Evans said.

Macdonald said fundraising through an economic downturn hasn’t been the easiest task, but that local residents and businesses have been generous in their giving. There’s no doubt in the board members’ minds, he said, that the project will get the necessary funding, estimated between $1.4 and $1.8 million, and will be ready for action within a year or two.

“Even when there was doubt shed, there was always somebody in the group that would tell everybody, ‘Pick yourselves back up, let’s keep moving forward.’ This isn’t something that’s going to stop. We’re going to carry the ball forward, which is how we got here. It’s a great thing to work with such a dedicated, motivated group of individuals on the board and in the community who are willing to put everything they got into it,” Macdonald said.

The group’s passion hasn’t been overlooked at Bridgton Town Hall either. Bridgton’s Economic Development Director, Alan Manoian, tasked with enticing new companies to the town, said the group has been an inspiration to watch and that June’s groundbreaking and land preparation is tangible evidence that the project is steadily moving along.

“In the BRAG board, you have a highly dedicated group of volunteers dedicating their talents to this community betterment project. It’s extraordinary,” said Manoian.

Beyond being a nice place to watch a ballgame, Manoian said the project should help to draw people and businesses to the area.

“It goes to the heart of economic development. These are the elements necessary to attract young people and families to the area. And companies are looking to locate in places that cater to young, educated families. The town’s success, in terms of attracting investors and companies, is very much going to be influenced by their work, so we are hoping for their success,” Manoian said.

Macdonald likewise sees the field complex as an economic driver for Bridgton, especially if the complex can host the types of tournaments that draw thousands of people, as other towns such as Gray and Sanford, both of which boast annual tournaments which bring thousands of people to town.

And all that traffic will bring money not only to the complex itself but to surrounding businesses and help with the residential-commercial tax balance.

“Your income isn’t necessarily just ticket sales or festivals held here, it’s the people who go across the street for dinner. It’s the people who stop in town for gas, who stay in the bed and breakfast for the tournaments, who leave their dollars here in the town. So there’s much more of a wide impact. You’re going to see that increased tax revenue,” Macdonald said.

But the project isn’t a done deal yet. Despite generous donations of land and clearing by the Rolfe family, which owned the land upon which the facility is being built, more money is needed to bring to fruition the remaining plans such as a top-notch concession stand, basketball court, tennis court and playground.

“We are at a critical time for funding, we need to keep the momentum rolling. Now that people can see earth being moved, that this isn’t just something being talked about at selectmen’s meetings, that this is happening man, this is happening now,” Evans said.

“We’re fundraising for sure,” McDonald added, “We have field-naming opportunities and all sorts of ways people can donate…We don’t have all the funds to complete this project right now, we’re fundraising as we’re constructing. The Rolfes have been extremely generous, funds are coming, we do have donors stepping up, everyone is pitching in.”

Proving that in this down economy, Bridgton definitely has bucked the trend by thinking ahead and building for the future.

“I don’t think that little jingle is used often enough, but we think this complex is certainly something to brag about,” Evans said.

Bridgton Recreation Advancement Group Vice President Larry Carter, Publicity Chairman Jon Evans and President Bill Macdonald pose in front of a billboard showing the possible field orientation for the recreation fields being built in Bridgton. While the complex is still a work in progress with more fundraising needed, the group is encouraged by a recent groundbreaking and hopes to be mowing grass by the end of the season. (Staff photo by John Balentine)