Ron and Dusti Faucher are at Dundee Park
around the clock many days in their role as park managers, ensuring that the
recreational area operates smoothly. Not only do they work full time hours
making sure the area is clean, in good repair, and managed appropriately, but
the pair also lives in a camper at the park, keeping an eye on the property
overnight as well.
The Fauchers have stayed at the park
during the summer season for five years now. After living in Windham for close
to 20 years, they sold their house on Covered Bridge Road and bought a camper
when Ron retired from the Portland Water District in 2007.
They bought a double wide mobile home in
a 55-plus community in Hobe Sound, Florida where they spend their winters. During
the summer months, they were living on their daughter’s property in Casco. When
she moved, they needed to find another place to park.
After hearing that there was an
unoccupied space at Dundee Park, they explored the option. They came to the
park in 2011, sharing a full time position as co-manager. After that first
year, Ron took on the position on his own, co-managing the park with Mona Dodd.
Dodd retired before this season, and the
Fauchers became the full time co-managers. Ron handles maintenance and building
issues, while Dusti manages the staff, does the paperwork, and ensures that
patrons are happy. Another big part of their job, said Ron, is enforcing park rules.
As a family oriented facility, no vulgar language, alcohol or smoking is
allowed.
They have a great staff, Dusti said, including
two long time employees that cover Friday and Saturday when the Fauchers are
off. “We’re trying each year to do something a little bit better, a little bit
differently, and make improvements,” she added.
This year, the parks and recreation
committee decided to host a concert series at the park. The first concert, held
on July 13th, was very successful Ron said. He said they counted 250 people,
but thinks they missed a lot since people were parking up the road and walking
in. To help collect data on how successful the concerts are, he said they will
likely put someone at the gate next time to track attendance.
“I
think one of the reasons for the concerts is to help people find this place,
let them know what’s here, how beautiful it is and what a resource it is for
people who have never come here before,” said Dusti.
Both Dusti and Ron have always been
involved in environmental issues. Ron worked for the water district, and Dusti
has been involved in the Friends of the Presumpscot River since its inception
in 1992. She served as president of the organization for many years.
Being back in Windham, close to family,
and living on the river are all perks of the role as park managers, Dusti said.
“We love being here. I love this spot, it’s absolutely a beautiful place,” she
said. Working with the young people on staff is a new experience that she is
enjoying as well. “I’ve had management positions before but not with teenagers.
It’s interesting and they’re fun - We have a really good group of kids.”
Dundee Park is situated on the banks of
the Presumpscot River, and offers recreational activities including swimming,
volleyball and basketball courts, horseshoe pits, grassy areas and picnic
tables. Lifeguards are on duty during peak hours. The park is open from 8 a.m.
to 8 p.m. daily until mid-August, and until 7 p.m. daily from mid-August until
Labor Day. Season vehicle passes are available (up to 15 passengers) for $50
for Windham residents, and $65 for non-residents. Passes can be purchased
online, at the park, or at the Parks and Recreation office. For more
information, visit http://windhamrecreation.com/info/
or call the park at 893-2415.
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