This past summer, Mission staff on the Downeast campus could be seen shuffling boxes and stacking furniture in storage pods. “We’re preparing for the big build,” said Downeast Director Jenny Jones. “Food pantry patrons and community members who frequent our campus are ready for the improved and expanded facilities.”
The first phase of a larger set of planned improvements for the Mission Downeast Campus will bring needed capital improvements and new features to the 63-acre property in the heart of Washington County. At the head of campus, a revamped administrative building will feature a welcome center that will act as a place where visitors can check-in and receive directions. This building will also include expanded storage and a new addition to house the Mission’s food pantry as well as workshop space for Food Security programming.
“To date, the builder has prepped the site, laid a slab, and will begin framing the addition to the existing building in the next few weeks,” shares Jenny. The building is expected to be open to the public by summer 2024.
Other planned improvements to the Mission Downeast campus include a pavilion and new ropes course for EdGE, two new play areas, an upgrade to the property’s trail system, a marked pedestrian path along Weald Bethel Lane, and retreat cabins for programming near the Weald Bethel Community Center. These improvements to the campus will allow the Mission to provide expanded services for Downeast residents.
President John Zavodny says, “The vision for a renewed Mission Downeast Campus really began in pre-pandemic community planning sessions. These upgrades will help build community, support families, and foster growth in young people Downeast. We’re excited to have ground broken and be making good progress.”
For information about how you can support the Mission Downeast Project, please contact Director of Development Erica Hutchinson at (207) 801-6009 or ehutchinson@seacoastmission.org.