Dear Editor:

I guess I should have thrown my two cents in some time ago with regard to what should replace the space of the tennis courts on Townsend Avenue. After reading the article in the May 15 Boothbay Register, I am terribly upset with the thought of basketball courts or expanded parking in this most desirable location as one enters town.

Now the Town Fathers are about to give the green light for basketball courts and additional parking on this prime piece of real estate. There exists plenty of space behind the elementary school for installing basketball courts if the town and school so desire, and the high school juniors and seniors that presently park in the roadside lot can utilize the parking area behind the school.

I would like to see the entire area behind the Blue Star Memorial marker dedicated to a Veterans Memorial Park complete with granite benches, a flagpole and perhaps another stone plaque honoring veterans of all wars past and present. The only memorial presently in the harbor that honors veterans is the small area at the side of the library. A mile north is the Boothbay Memorial Park — a wonderful place to sit and reflect. I have researched a number of Veterans Memorial Parks in Maine, and many towns dedicate prime spaces for such parks.

I question the annual cost of maintenance of basketball courts vs. a small park. I will even volunteer to mow the lawn on a regular basis. And if the town or a community group will install a flagpole, I am willing to raise and lower the flag each morning and evening.

I urge our selectmen to reconsider utilizing the land where the former tennis courts were and turn it into a lovely green space, a truly beautiful, warm "gateway" to town that we can be proud of and veterans, their families and all people of Boothbay Harbor can enjoy.

I ask all Boothbay Harbor vets, their families and friends to call or write our selectmen and urge them to create a Veterans Memorial Park at the former site of the tennis courts.

Jim Powers
Boothbay Harbor