Dougherty Athletic Field Improvement Project

PROJECT OVERVIEW

In 2024, the Department of Parks, Recreation and Facilities started planning for the renovation of the Dougherty Athletic Fields to optimize field grading, add irrigation, add underdrainage and provide additional water connections for both drinking fountains and seasonal watering needs. Over the course of that same year, it became clear that the Rising Eddy Community Pool project would generate a large volume of displaced soil by nature of the pool construction project.

Soil testing around the pool indicated that some of the soils contain contaminants above the applicable Maine Department of Environmental Protection (MEDEP) Remedial Action Guidelines (RAGs) for Park Users, requiring special handling and management. Additional soil testing was completed in the field, which indicated that a small area close to the pool also contained contaminants above these thresholds. With the support of an environmental consultant, the City worked with MEDEP to enroll the site in the Voluntary Response Action Program (VRAP) to proactively follow MEDEP guidelines for soil assessment, handling and remediation.

The regrading project is occurring in conjunction with soil remediation. Remediation, within the context of Dougherty Field and the REC Pool, consists of capping the contaminated soils within the same park site where they were found. Surface soils in the field that meet the Park User RAGs are temporarily excavated, the contaminated soils are placed as regrading material, and a protective cap is constructed on top using an orange marker layer and at least one foot of the surface soils, with additional clean soil added to the cap as needed. The regrading and capping project is being overseen by MEDEP VRAP staff.

MORE INFORMATION

Downloadable links with detailed information about the testing and field capping approach (VRAP) can be found under the Supporting Documents section in the lower right-hand corner of this page.

The "Project Timeline" at the bottom right side of this page provides a forecast of the anticipated construction schedule. The "Project Updates" section will feature periodic posts on construction progress.