Bradford A. Littlefield's vision for Fryeburg is a real-life "Field of Dreams." Involved with Fryeburg youth sports programs in leadership roles since 1984, Brad was instrumental in the purchase of a 20-acre parcel of land for the Recreation Complex in 1996.
Fryeburg's philosophy is that youth should be able to participate in recreational programs at minimal or no costs to them or their families. To ensure this, Brad heads up the annual Fryeburg Recreation Golf Tournament, now in its 19th year. He spearheads the "car raffle" at the Fryeburg Fair. These efforts have raised more than $377,000 to date, funding all programs and improvements to the Fryeburg Community Complex. As a professional builder, Brad often does much of the construction work of fencing, dugouts, the basketball and volleyball courts, playground, horseshoe pits and fitness trail with his own hands. And if it's not him alone, he skillfully enlists volunteers to join his cause to get the work done.
Brad is a coach, referee and umpire, a builder, fundraiser, and now President of the Capital Campaign to build an additional Community Center. He worked for three years to complete the purchase of an additional adjacent 3.1 acres. The land is prepared and ready for the next phase: construction of an indoor space housing a multi-purpose court, a kitchen, function room, teen and senior centers, and a tech center. The budget is just over $1 million, but Brad is undaunted by this number.
"It takes a lot of work to raise this kind of money," says Nancy Calvert. "I see his energy and enthusiasm first-hand. It is infectious; I see the people he connects with feel that same excitement."