SKOWHEGAN —The staff at Hight Ford partnered with staff from 201 Service, the Town of Skowhegan and volunteers to spend April 28 cleaning up Coburn Park in honor of Arbor Day. The 12.5-acre park was donated in 1885 by Abner Coburn, who was Maine’s governor during the Civil War.
“Community involvement is an important part of our mission at Hight. We truly believe in giving back to the community that has supported us over the last 112 years,” said Sam Hight, dealer principal at Hight Ford, according to a news release from Samantha Burdick with the dealership.
“Our staff is excited to help and beautify Coburn Park. This is truly a local gem in our community, and it is used throughout the summer,” Hight said. “It also serves as a team building activity where staff can enjoy each other’s company outside of the dealership.”
The cleanup effort mostly included routine maintenance to the park, cutting down dead trees, racking up leaves, limbs that fell over the winter. In addition, volunteers helped to create a new pedestrian entrance, rehabbed railroad tie guard rails, and repair water to the park making it easier for volunteers to care for the flower beds that reside there. It truly was a community effort, volunteers from 201 Service joining the cause, along with Mike Lambke, commissioner of Coburn Park; Corey Johnson from the Town of Skowhegan; Jeanne Shay and MaineWater.
“I love Coburn Park. I walk through it throughout the summer and live close by. It is going to feel great taking a walk here this summer and knowing that our team helped in this effort,” said Shelby Nelson, office manager at Hight Ford.
A few local businesses also made donations to keep volunteers going all day. The Bankery in Skowhegan provided coffee, Al’s Pizza provided donuts, George’s Banana Stand provided hamburgers for lunch, and Damon’s Beverage provided beverages.
In honor of Arbor Day, Hight also planted a Sugar Maple after the cleanup.
“It will be nice. It will grow tall and strong just like the community spirit here in the area,” Hight said.