Help Repair Martin Bishop Memorial Field Bridge Through GoFundMe

GUILFORD, CT — Many Guilford residents likely have memories of attending a wedding, birthday, office outing or other celebration at Martin Bishop Memorial Field over the years.

The field, also known as "Firemen's Field," has been a part of Guilford since 1959. An essential part of the field is its bridge, which was built in 1959 so community members could get over a river and into the field, firefighter Mike Warn told Patch.

Now, that bridge is in need of repairs — and the Guilford Volunteer Fire Department is raising money to front the cost.

The bridge is original to the field, and it needs to be brought up to date, firefighter Michael Speringo wrote in a GoFundMe.

Warn told Patch that tubes in the bridge have worn down over the years, and once almost caused the bridge to completely collapse.

"This repair is long overdue," Warn said.

Firefighters are hoping to raise $150,000, which is the cost of the repairs. So far, they have raised $3,580.

Upkeep of the field and pavilion rely strictly on income from field rentals, Speringo said.

A group of volunteer firefighters started a non-for-profit organization to run and maintain the field, though they have since opened group involvement to anyone interested in preserving the field.

Fundraiser organizers are asking anyone who has attended an event at the field for a donation of $20 or more, Speringo wrote on GoFundMe. Officials have already begun the process of getting the repairs done, he said.

"I’ve been chair person for 38 years, my goal is to keep (the field) as it is for a future generations of Guilford," Ward told Patch. "I really believe it’s a special thing we have in town, people have anything from weddings, funerals, reunions, birthday party, family picnics and so forth over the years."

Donate here.

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