WILTON — An anonymous $30,000 donation will fund an expansion project at Bass Park nextspring.

The money will help buy land next to the park to build a parking lot and eventually recreational trails, according to Town Manager Rhonda Irish.

Irish said a Wilton couple made the donation after they learned the town couldn’t raise the money needed for the project.

The couple told town officials that they often go to the Lake Road park and wanted to help out.

The park has only on-street parking, and the money will help pay for a parking lot with 10 to 15 spaces, she said.

Irish said the donation probably will pay for the land and for part of the parking lot project. She said town officials estimate the town will have to contribute about $3,000 to finish the project.

She said the town periodically gets donations under $5,000, but this is the largest donation she is aware of. People sometimes also donate their time to help with town projects, such as with the parks and recreation department.

“People make donations for items we were unable to budget for, and we are very thankful,” she said.

Some of the latest projects funded by donations include a downtown sign for posting events and $1,000 in start-up money for a town community service program.

Irish said the town expects to buy the land and clear a few trees this year, and the rest of the project will be completed in the spring and summer.

Kaitlin Schroeder — 861-9252

kschroeder@centralmaine.com