Pineland Farms is a large complex of property spread out through the eastern part of New Gloucester, Maine. Pineland has a "campus," where many buildings are located, with some satellite buildings located nearby. Sometimes referred to as just "Pineland," it has undergone major change since 1996, when its use as a "school for the feeble minded" was no longer appropriate.
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Pineland first opened in 1908 as the Pownal School for the Feeble-Minded. Begun as an institution to house the mentally retarded, during its early years orphans and other wards of the state were often inappropriately placed at Pineland, as no other public services existed to help them.
In 1953, Peter W. Bowman became superintendent, changed its name to “Pineland Hospital & Training Center” and over the next 18 years Pineland became regarded as a national model for the care of the mentally handicapped. However, political intrusion and budget cuts during the 1970s ushered in a series of administrators poorly equipped to manage and advocate for its residents and their under-paid caretakers. Pineland’s facilities deteriorated and quality care for its residents was largely abandoned. Due to worsening conditions and allegations of abusive treatment, Pineland was placed into federal receivership in 1976.
As it became in vogue to integrate residents of institutions into society, the most able of Pineland’s population were re-homed into apartments in the 1990s. Many advocates for the homeless noted that Maine’s local transient population began to grow during this period as Pineland and other facilities released its residents. Routine care and therapy ceased and they drifted from their new homes. Pineland Hospital & Training Center was closed for good in 1996.
When Pineland closed in 1996, the campus had approximately 1600 acres (6.5 km²) and 28 buildings. Much of the area was for farming purposes, and to satisfy needs of the employees and residents. In 2000, all of the farm was purchased by the Portland, Maine-based Libra Foundation. Since then, it has been heavily renovated, and undergone a major transformation, including new business openings, renovations of buildings, and building of recreational sites.
Today, Pineland stands as a very different place than it was at closing time. The "Visitor's Center," houses a market featuring food produced by Pineland Farms. It's also very convenient for Cross-Country Skiers because it's within short walking distance of the trailhead. A Dutch-Warmblood horse breeding program is run slightly off campus just down State Route 231. Until 2008 a therapeutic riding program was run out of the stable. Below the Visitor's Center is a Cross-Country Ski shop which rentals, day trail passes for 4 dollars, and purchases are available of ski-related equipment. A YMCA is located in the gymnasium originally built for residents in the 1960s, and many programs (child and adult) take place in some of the buildings. The administrative offices are located across the street from the Visitor's Center. The Libra Foundation renovated much of Pineland's area into Cross-Country ski trails. The trail system is approximately 25 Kilometers long, and is used for multiple purposes in the spring, summer and fall, including:
Also, during spring, summer, and fall, Cross-Country ski dryland training takes place on the campus roads using rollerskis, running, and other methods of Nordic training.
The property is a thriving event location hosting corporate meetings, retreats, weddings, picnics, etc. The facilities include a conference center and banquet room as well as a stunning new tented location that is accented with a patio and pergola area perfect for wedding ceremonies and cocktail parties. Pineland Farms also has six beautifully restored farmhouses available to rent through their "Guest Houses at Pineland Farms" program. They range in size from sleeping 4 guests to one that sleeps 21. They are bringing the concept of agritourism to Maine from Italy. There is a wonderful combination of class and beauty in the accommodations aside the stunning countryside scenery. While you are there you have full access to the farm operations and enjoy can provisions that they produce from the surrounding la