HAMPDEN - A recently auctioned sports facility on Coldbrook Roadis expected to open next month under the management of a formeremployee who last year successfully sued the facility.
The Maine Sports Complex, now renamed the Bouchard Sports Centerafter new owner and local businessman Harold Bouchard, is expected toreopen Nov. 1 under the management of Gary Walker of All Pro Soccerand Sports of Waterville.
Walker last year was awarded more than $50,000 in back pay,compensatory damages and attorneys' fees as a result of his lawsuitagainst the complex. He said he was not paid for six months of workhe performed under a contract with the facility.
As the new manager, Walker said he has moved past his previoustroubles with the facility and is eager to work for Bouchard to makethe center successful.
'We will proceed as a new facility,' Walker said Wednesday.
Bouchard, chief executive officer of H.O. Bouchard truckingcompany, purchased the financially troubled facility and its 9-acreproperty last week for $275,000.
He could not be reached Wednesday for comment, but Ken Beal, thecompany's controller, said Walker was chosen for his well-knowncoaching abilities and expertise with operating athletic facilities.
'It's certainly different from the trucking industry,' Beal said.'[We] had to bring in someone that understands the business betterthan we do.'
The complex and property, assessed at approximately $760,000, weresold to repay a Minnesota company and several local creditors,including H.O. Bouchard, who are owed thousands of dollars inmaterials and services.
Along with $35,000 in back property taxes, the $275,000 price tagincludes more than $12,000 owed to the trucking company for amortgage it holds on the property. Bouchard, whose company is locatedacross the road from the complex, previously owned the property onwhich the dome now sits.
The complex's estimated debts total more than $500,000, accordingto court documents.
Bouchard and Walker plan to keep the 33,000-square-foot facilityopen as a sports complex offering indoor soccer and field hockeyleagues and other recreational activities, Walker said.
Depending on the needs of the community, they also hope to addbaseball, softball and football programs, as well as a soccer programfor women over 30, Walker said.
'We definitely want more usage for those sports,' he said.
Bouchard and the management team now are looking to the communityfor support to make the facility a successful, long-term venue forrecreation, Walker said.
Presenting a challenge is the lack of records detailing whopreviously used the facility, Walker said.
'We desperately need the support of the community,' he said.
People who want to reestablish their use of the center are askedto call the facility at 862-5634 or e-mail info@bouchardsports.com.
