Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

General

What are your office hours?

Our regular office hours are 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., however, our staff work flexible hours in order to attend many of the programs and meetings that occur outside of the office. We encourage you to call ahead at (207) 451-9334 if you need to visit the office to speak with a staff member. Please be advised that our porch is accessible 24 hours a day for program information and to drop off program registration forms.

Where are you located?

We are located at 11 Dixon Road, across from the Eliot Elementary School and next door to the Police Department. Detailed directions are available.

What services do you provide?

The ECSD provides over 150 programs for youth, adults and seniors. Our programs range from sports camps and lessons to cooking classes and senior shopping trips. We also host 10 special events per year, including a summer concert series, holiday events, a winter carnival, a neighborhood block party and more. In summer 2006, ECSD began offering KidsPLAY, an out-of-school hours program located at the Eliot Elementary School. Additionally, the ECSD is also responsible for maintaining park facilities in Eliot.

Who can I contact if I have more questions?

You may contact any of our staff members at (207) 451-9334 or visit our office for more information.

Back to top

Programs

Where can I get information on the programs and events that you’re currently offering?

Seasonal brochures listing all of our programs and events for that season are printed twice a year. Spring/summer brochures are generally available in March; fall/winter brochures are available in September. Program and event information is also located on the ECSD office porch at all times. And, of course, you will find a wealth of information elsewhere on this Web site.

How can I get a program brochure?

Eliot residents are mailed a copy of the brochure. If you need more information you can access it by picking up a copy from the office porch or by exploring this Web site.

How do I register for a program?

To register for a program, simply fill out a registration form (hard copies are located on our porch or can be downloaded from our Web site) and mail or drop off the form and the program fee at the ECSD office.

How do I find out about cancellations?

Program cancellations due to inclement weather will be posted on the ECSD Web site, the ECSD office answering machine at (207) 451-9334 and on WERZ 107.1 and Channel 6. Programs are sometimes cancelled for other reasons (e.g., facility space is not available, instructor is ill, etc.). In these cases, staff or volunteers will attempt to notify participants via telephone.

On occasion our messages do not reach the intended receiver and the information is not relayed. We encourage all participants to communicate with at least one other participant in their program to ensure communication about cancellations or changes in the program.

What is your refund policy?

Refunds are only given 10 days (or more) prior to the start date of a scheduled program. A $5.00 administrative fee will be assessed if the fee has already been processed. Full refunds will be provided in the event that the ECSD cancels a program. The ECSD reserves the right to modify the time frame for granting refunds when it is required to make an advance payment to a service provider. The ECSD also reserves the right to modify any component of a program in the event of circumstances beyond its control and, therefore, is under no obligation to offer refunds. Refunds are not given once a program has started.

Back to top

Parks and Facilities

What park facilities do you offer?

The following parks are operated by ECSD: Dixon Recreation Area; Eliot Boat Basin; Frost Tufts Park; William Murray-Rowe Park; and Hammond Park. The parks offer a variety amenities ranging from athletic fields to playgrounds to tennis and basketball courts, depending on the facility. Visit the Parks and Facilities page on our Web site for a complete listing of amenities and park locations.

What are the park hours?

Park hours are from dawn until 10:00 p.m. The skate park at Dixon Recreation Area closes at dusk.

Do you rent park facilities?

Yes, the pavilions at the Boat Basin and Frost-Tufts Park are available for rental. They can be reserved in person on a first-come, first-served basis at the ECSD office. Fees for residents are $7.00/half-day or $14.00/full-day. Non-resident fees are $14.00/half-day and $28.00/full-day. To inquire about rentals of athletic fields for non-ECSD sponsored leagues contact the ECSD office at (207) 451-9334.

Is parking available?

Parking is available at all of the parks with the exception of the Dixon Recreation Area (horseshoe pits, sand volleyball court, skate park and ice rinks) and Hammond Park. There is some limited parking available in from of the skate park next to the ECSD barn. If these spaces are full, please park at the Elementary School during non-school hours or at the Town Hall during school hours. Please do not park on Dixon Road or at the ECSD office, police department or fire department.

Back to top

Community Center Project

Why do we need a Community Center?

Currently, Eliot is lacking in a central facility that provides for the physical, emotional and social needs of our citizens — from newborns to senior citizens. The construction of a Community Center will build community cohesion; offer a safe place for citizens of all ages to meet and interact; and provide diverse programs and activities that have the potential to positively impact the health and well being of our community.

Where will the Community Center be located?

The location for the proposed Community Center is behind the Eliot Town Hall.

How can I help with the Community Center project?

The ECSD needs your support at our fundraising events to get the Community Center project off the ground. We also accept monetary and in-kind (volunteer or materials) donations at our various fundraisers. Additionally, we encourage interested residents to attend Building Committee and Advisory Committee meetings at the Town Hall to learn more. Meetings are held on the last Monday and last Tuesday, respectively, of every month at the Town Hall.

Back to top

Rules and Regulations

Are dogs allowed in the parks?

Dogs are permitted in the parks, however, they are required to be leashed at all times and dog owners are required to pick up after their dogs.

Can I bring alcohol into the parks?

No, alcohol is not permitted in the parks.

Is smoking permitted in the parks?

In order to promote the health and safety of all Eliot residents, the Board of Selectmen has established all public park property in Eliot as tobacco free.

Through adopting this policy, the Town of Eliot prohibits the use of tobacco products, including, but not limited to, cigarettes, cigars, chewing tobacco on, in or at any athletic/recreation facility operated by the Community Service Department.

Your cooperation to effectively maintain this policy is appreciated.

Can I camp in the parks?

Recognized non-profit organized youth groups may request a permit to camp overnight in ECSD-operated parks. Permits are available at the ECSD office. Youth groups must have at least one adult chaperone for every 10 campers. Additional regulations apply. Contact ECSD for more information.

Who should I call to report a problem?

Call the ECSD office at (207) 451-9334 to report damage, safety hazards or someone breaking park regulations. Staff or voicemail is available 24 hours a day, or you may download and fill out a facility repair form on our Web site. If you witness a crime in progress, do not attempt to take action yourself. Call 911 to report it to the police department.

Back to top