In 1971, Rivelli Field, complemented by a farm league field stood by itself. CARA was incorporated in 1974. Its first President was Bill Perry of Maine Instrument Flight in Augusta. Since then, slowly but methodically, fourteen playing areas have been completed with three more currently under construction. Three additional playing fields, two basketball courts, and a cross-country trail are in the planning stages.
The formation of CARA was triggered by a recommendation in a study commissioned by the Legislature that public lands located in Augusta be sold for commercial and/or industrial purposes. The founders of CARA were of the opinion that this land would be best utilized as a recreational space.
Through the efforts of CARA, legislation was introduced by Senator Bennett Katz of Augusta which allowed the Bureau of Public Lands to lease public land to non-profit organizations. In 1974, CARA was able to enter into a twenty-five year lease with the State of Maine for approximately eighty acres of land located between Hospital Street and Cony Road in Augusta. In 1994, CARA's lease with the state was expanded to ninety-nine years.
This land was formerly farm land managed by the Augusta State Hospital (AMHI). The playing fields and recreational facilities are located off Hospital Street east of AMHI as is the Pine Tree Arboretum which borders the CARA complex to the south.
As demand for practice and game time grew, lights were added to four areas, with four additional areas under consideration in order to maximize facility use and meet the demands of seasonal play.
Due to its central location and accessibility via major arteries, the CARA complex has become a mecca for tournaments, youth, school, adult, and special events.
CARA's initial board was comprised of representatives from various youth organizations and members at large, a practice that continues to this day. Currently the youth organizations and board membership are:
Officers: President, Paul Potvin
Vice President,
Steve Roberge
Secretary,
Dave Cheever
Treasurer,
Steve Brooks
Facility Representatives:
Augusta East Little League, Gerard LaPierre
Capital Area Youth Softball Association, Mark Perry
Augusta Babe Ruth League, Joe Linscott
City of Augusta/Lacrosse, Leif Dahlin
Kennebec Valley Horseshoe Pitch Association, David Gallant
Capital Area Soccer Club, Ron Yankum
Directors at Large:
Ray Beaudoin
Bill Perry
Janice Howe
Gary Sawyer
Dave Hastings
Dave Cheever
Dennis Towle
Steve Roberge
Gary Burns
Cam McKee
Gary Lapierre
Paul Potvin
Julie O'Brien
Mark O'Brien
Ralph Stiman
Dawn McFarland
Al Cloutier
Steve Brooks
Over the years, five men have given unselfishly of their time to serve as CARA's President:
William Perry, served from 1974-1978
Dennis Towle, served from 1979-1982
Gary Sawyer, served from 1983-October, 1985
Joe Linscott, served from October, 1985-1994
Gary Burns, served from 1995-2005
Paul Potvin, serving from 2005 forward
Chronology of Events | Founding Directors and Officers
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