Eagle Scout builds information kiosk at Tassel Top to benefit park and trail users

By Lorraine Glowczak

Jonah Martin stands beside the informational
kiosk he built for the Raymond Parks and 
Recreation Department as his Eagle Scout
Service Project. The kiosk, located at Tassel
Top Park off Route 302 just after the gated
entrance there, will provide trail information
and post town news and events.
SUBMITTED PHOTO

It has been said that Eagle Scouts will say the most rewarding requirement of becoming an Eagle - the highest achievement attainable in BSA (Boy Scouts of America) – is their service project. Although considered the most rewarding part of the BSA experience, very few members work toward the honorable rank. Jonah Martin of Raymond’s Troop 800 is among the special few, choosing to serve the Town of Raymond to fulfill his Scout Project requirements.

“Only about 8 percent of Scouts in the U.S. received their badge and became an Eagle Scout in 2019,” said Martin, who is a member of the 2021 graduating class at Windham High School.

Not only did Martin want to reach the Eagle rank because he was inspired to do so, but he lightheartedly admitted there was a little competition involved.

“Both of my brothers received the rank of Eagle, so I had to show them that I could do it too,” Martin said.

Although Martin speaks with jest about his service project, the process of obtaining an Eagle rank is an arduous one. Not only must an Eagle demonstrate proficiency in many different areas to include a leadership role within the local troop, but the Scout must also work on the project while continuing with schoolwork and other school-related activities.

The decision to reach out to the Town of Raymond was an easy one for Martin, first approaching the Public Works Department. “I wanted to do a project that would benefit Raymond because my experience living in this town has been a very positive one for me,” Martin said.

The public works department directed Martin to the Raymond Parks and Recreation Department’s (RPR) Director, Joseph Crocker. Since the RPR is newly created, becoming an official department of the town early last year in February 2020, officials at public works thought that recreation could benefit more from Martin’s Eagle Service proposal.

“There are a few small projects we have been considering, so I was very happy that Jonah reached out to the town,” Crocker said. “Public use of the trails through the wooded areas at Tassel Top have been extensive and we wanted to improve the user’s experience. After Jonah and I discussed some possibilities, we agreed an informational kiosk that could provide trail information and post town news and events would be beneficial for both Raymond and people who use the trails.”

Once the decision was made, then Martin quickly got to work which included raising funds needed for the building materials. “Jonah did a remarkable job with his fundraising efforts,” Crocker said. “We certainly worked together to bring the vision of a kiosk to life, but other than that – he did all the fundraising and physical work. He successfully made the kiosk happen and we are very happy with the outcome.”

Crocker and Martin wish to thank the Raymond Public Works Department for expanding the parking area near the kiosk, which is located off Route 302 and immediately after the gated entrance to the park.

Not only did Martin create a project that will be enjoyed by those who live in the area at the present time but will be appreciated for many generations to come.

“I had a running joke with Jonah,” Crocker said. “I told him that one day he will leave to explore the world and eventually meet that special someone. He will get married, have children and come back to Raymond to live, visiting Tassel Top from time to time, proudly and constantly reminding his children every time they visit, ‘Yep - I built that kiosk when I was a young.’”

After graduation this June, Martin will join the U.S. Coast Guard, and attend basic training this summer. He also plans to obtain his Emergency Medical Technician certification and be trained to work in the health services division of the Coast Guard.<

Tassel Top to offer more services as part of new Raymond Recreation plan

From left, Tassel Top Snack Shack employees
Eliza Trafford of Windham and Alyssa Howard
of Gray/New Gloucester meet with new Raymond
Recreation Director Joseph Crocker. Discussions
are underway for adding new activities at the
park to possibly include outdoor movies, summer
camp programs for youth, a new gazebo for outdoor
music venues and much more.
PHOTO BY LORRAINE GLOWCZAK   

By Lorraine Glowczak

There are many hidden gems in the Sebego Lakes Region and one of those treasures can be found in our own community’s back yard. Tassel Top Park and Beach is located in Raymond and situated on 35 acres of Sebago Lake’s east shore off Route 302, across from the Raymond Shopping Center and behind Jordan Bay Veterinary Hospital.

“A stand of mature pines and hardwoods grace the entrance to the park and the park road leads you to a graveled parking lot,” The Town of Raymond website states. “The beach has a secured swimming area marked by buoys; picnic tables, outdoor grills, changing rooms, a Snack Shack with ice cream, charcoal, candy, drinks, snacks, and beach toys….”

And – this list is just the beginning of everything that the state park has to offer. Currently, plans to increase outdoor services at Tassel Top is the focus of the newly established Raymond Recreation Department. Raymond’s first Recreation Director, Joseph Crocker began his position on Feb. 18, and has created his position as well as the newly established department from ground zero under the COVID-19 pandemic.

“We have been working diligently the past couple of months to create more options and outdoor services here at Tassel Top while at the same time keeping the doors to the beach open while adhering to social distancing requirements,” Crocker said. “We are preparing the park to possibly provide a number of new activities in the next few summers. The discussions include outdoor movies, more variety of hot foods at the Snack Shack, summer camp programs for youth, a new gazebo for outdoor music venues as well as an event space for weddings, family gatherings, etc.”

Tassel Top Park is owned by the State of Maine and operated under a long-term lease by the Town of Raymond.

“Tassel Top was originally a privately owned property that was donated to the state,” Crocker said. 

“Twenty-five years ago, the Town of Raymond entered into a 100-year lease. We are doing are best to prepare for the future while at the same time maintaining the backwoods Maine feel that is well-known of this state and is what brings visitors to this area.”

Visitors from all over the U.S. have been enjoying the shore-line beauty of Tassel Top for more than 25 years. Tourists and locals alike continue to come in full force and, this year, they are able to do so while keeping safe amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

“We have measured out the beach front so guests can enjoy Sebago Lake and Tassel Top without having to worry about COVID,” Crocker said. “Unfortunately, we can only allow approximately 45 vehicles in at a time – depending upon the number of individuals in each vehicle. We are operating under a first come, first served basis.”

Another enjoyable feature of Tassel Top is a walking trail, covering about 0.90 of a mile that meanders through acres of Maine woods. The clearly marked trail has points of interest marked by signage and benches for quiet meditation or rest. The trail is maintained by park staff and is handicapped and stroller accessible. This path is for foot traffic only. No bikes or other motorized vehicles are allowed.

To enjoy all that Tassel Top has to offer for this summer, Crocker advises to call ahead for availability at 207-655-4675. 

For more information, visit the Town of Raymond website at: www.raymondmaine.org/community-resources/recreation/tassel-top-park, <