Sanford's Pond

Condition:
No ice. 



Sanford's Pond relies on volunteers.  Parents, kids, and community members are the key to keeping this wonderful tradition going.  As in the days of Sanford, skating must be earned.  Ice availability depends on skaters shoveling.  If you wish to be on the list of volunteers and supervise the shed on the weekends or after school please email
[email protected]. 

Sanford Doughty was a hardworking, generous, and caring man who worked tirelessly to provide a skating pond for generations to enjoy.  Endless excavation, building the warming hut, installing lights, providing skates and equipment, and hours of clearing snow are a few examples of how Sanford dedicated his life to the pond.  Many adults of this island have fond memories of helping Sanford and Mabel at the pond.  The Pond was a staple in the winter.  People of all ages, would be out helping Sanford clear after a storm - as Sanford drove his tractor around trying to keep the snow off.  There was a magic about Sanford and his pond.  Described by Ralph Monroe, "You just wanted to work for him, he is why people went there to clear the pond off." 

After Sanford's passing, Mabel Doughty (Sanford's wife) and Jackie Trask (Sanford's daughter) wanted to keep the long tradition of skating on Sanford's Pond.  They asked the Rec Center to be in charge and make sure the pond continued to be a safe place for all . 

The Chebeague Recreation Center works hard to open the pond, as much as volunteers are able to help supervise the shed.  If the shed is locked and there is no adult at the pond, there is no skating under the Chebeague Recreation Center. 

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