It looks like we'll be making some changes to our list of Endangered Ballparks after more progress is made on the restoration of Old Orchard Beach Ballpark, the former home of the Maine Guides (Class AAA; International League).

Old Orchard Beach residents have rallied to save the ballpark, which was damaged by a fire two years ago. The city let the ballpark deteriorate and at one point was looking to tear it down.

But locals, led by Linda Jenkins, said they wanted to save the ballpark and put some elbow grease behind the project. After local voters approved a referendum to save the ballpark, volunteers went through the facility and installed a new grass field (the old one had been choked off by weeds), repaired fire damage in the grandstand and cleaned up the rest of the place. Much of the ballpark was in good working order: the watering system originally installed by the Guides was still functional.

A June 27 fundraiser will further help the cause.

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