HARDWICK  -- The Center for an Agricultural Economy’s (CAE) Atkins Field pavilion project is fully funded. A contract was signed this week with Makaio Maher of Green Timber Works, a construction company based in Glover.  Demolition will start in the first week of May, with construction to follow.

The project got a huge boost recently from a Friend of CAE who put up $10,000 in challenge grants for fundraising in March if 50 new donors made donations of at least $25 each, and at least $5,000 was donated in March. Both challenges were met and exceeded with 85 new donors helping to make the project a reality. The fundraising gap of $20,000 was filled. Total project budget for Phase 1 is $275,000. The pavilion project is also supported by a state of Vermont Recreational Facilities grant of $10,000.

Construction will begin with demolition of the former workshop building on the Atkins Field property when weather permits and is expected to be completed by the end of August. Primitive history trails will be trimmed by Green Mountain Technical and Career Center students, and key historic relics and natural resources will be marked by Hardwick Elementary School students during the school’s Sustainability Fair planned for early June. Interpretive panels and a plaque thanking everyone who donates to the pavilion project will be created and added to the pavilion’s end wall before a grand opening celebration and heritage festival, planned for September.

Atkins Field is a shared community resource used by local schools for outdoor education, community gardeners, the local farmers market, public events, as well as any community member who wants to enjoy the field, orchard, trails and Cooper Brook. The current project is the first phase of a long-range plan to redevelop the property, including the 350-foot granite shed, for multiple uses.

The Center for an Agricultural Economy’s mission is to support and enhance local food systems, community, and working lands. For more information contact CAE Community Programs Manager Bethany M. Dunbar at bethany@hardwickagriculture.org or (802) 472-5362 ext. 204

Photograph: After three years of planning, CAE signs a contract for construction of the new Atkins Field Pavilion! The process included: (Back Row, Left to Right) Kate Stephenson, Project Manager, Partner, Helm Construction Solutions; Jeff Schoellkopf, Project Architect, Partner, The Design Group; Misty Sinsigalli, VT Community Program Specialist, USDA Rural Development; Tracy Montminy, State Architect, USDA Rural Development (Front Row, Left to Right) Bethany Dunbar, CAE Project Lead, Community Programs Manager, Center for an Agricultural Economy; Makaio Maher, Master Builder & Owner, Green Timber Works; Emily Maclure, Chair of the Board of Directors, Center for an Agricultural Economy