Aroostook County lawmakers are urging Portland’s Libra Foundation and Pineland Farms to reconsider their decision to close the Nordic Heritage Outdoor Center in Presque Isle. The center’s closure, which is set for Dec. 1, has sparked an outcry from residents and local school cross-country ski teams who utilize the facility’s trails for various recreational activities.
A public Facebook group, Friends of the Nordic Heritage Center, has gathered 400 members in an effort to keep the center open, but the property owner remains firm on their plans. In response, 10 area lawmakers have signed a letter requesting a meeting between Pineland Farms, Libra Foundation, and Presque Isle city officials to explore potential options for keeping the center open and delaying its closure.
The closure of the center, which was built and funded by the Libra Foundation in 2000, is reportedly due to declining use and rising costs. While the future of the property remains uncertain, community leaders and residents are hopeful for a solution that will preserve the outdoor recreation facility.
Despite the impending closure, community members are grateful for the Libra Foundation’s investment in the center over the past 25 years. Efforts are underway to explore alternative options to fill the void left by the center’s closure and provide opportunities for outdoor recreation in the region.
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