Little League baseball is back in full swing in Boothbay as a new diamond is now ready. On May 26, local philanthropist Paul Coulombe cut the ribbon which officially opened the new Little League field and athletic complex. In 2020, Coulombe was instrumental in turning a $250,000 federal grant into a $1.18 million playground and athletic complex. 

Three years ago, Boothbay received a $250,000 federal grant which required a matching $250,000 to upgrade Clifford Park’s playground and athletic fields. Coulombe offered to provide the town’s $250,000 match in creating a refurbished playground, Little League baseball diamond, bleachers, a multi-use field (large enough for two lacrosse fields or one soccer pitch), pavilion and playground. Coulombe eventually donated a total of $1.55 million to the project.

The Coulombe Family Park and Athletic Field is at Clifford Park in Boothbay. Last September, the new playground opened. This spring, the new Little League baseball and multi-use fields were completed. The new diamond includes an electronic scoreboard, dugouts, fence and concession stand.

Once Boothbay was ready to begin the renovations, the $500,000 project costs increased to over $1 million. Farley, Inc. of Rockport was the project’s lone bidder at $1.18 million. Town Manager Dan Bryer reported the increase was due to mandated federal Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)-compliant equipment and tactile boards. 

Coulombe contributed $930,000 to the project and joined a community effort to bring the new complex to life. Bryer listed Boothbay Baptist Church, Boothbay Region Lions Club, Pat Farrin & Sons, Boothbay Civic Association, and Boothbay Region Water District as park contributors.

The scoreboard was donated by the Lions Club and members served hot dogs during the ceremony. Y-Arts entertained the crowd with song and dance numbers and sang the national anthem. Boothbay Baptist Pastor Greg Carter led a prayer to bless the field. Local Cal Ripken League baseball players were dressed in uniform to celebrate the new field.

Coulombe spoke about the upgraded facility. “It’s so wonderful seeing so many children enjoying the playground and the new baseball field. I love seeing all the smiles. It’s truly heartwarming,” he said. “With the new fields, playground, and year-round pavilion the possibilities for families to enjoy the park are endless. My wife and I were more than happy to be involved in a project that will enrich the lives of children and families in our community for generations to come.”

This article has been updated from its original posting.