Neglected but not forgotten, a concession stand in Washburn Park is under renovation by the trust charged with managing the property.

One year ago, Charles Washburn Memorial Trust member Ron Winters led the effort to revitalize the non-profit group, founded in 1955 to promote Scouting activities and recreation programs.

Winters, the trust’s longest serving member, got the work started when he repaired the concession’s roof and eaves. Renovating the stand is part of renewed efforts from trust members to restore the park.

Home Depot employees made more progress on June 1. As part of Home Depot’s community outreach program, about 20 employees joined local volunteers to give the building a fresh coat of paint. Trust members want to have the building finished in time for the long-running Fourth of July Horse Show held in the park.

“The building needed a face lift,” said land trust member Ted Laycock. “We want to make it a three-season park, available for family functions, and we want to encourage Scout groups – all branches of Scout groups – to hold mini-jamborees in the park.”

Originally built in 1956, the stand is located in the heart of the 16-acre parcel owned and operated by the trust in Washburn Park. However, about 10 years ago interest in the stand waned and the structure fell into disrepair.

Thanks to the efforts of Marion’s Katherine Robertson Home Depot donated anywhere from $5,000 to $10,000 worth of material and manpower.

Robertson, an assistant manager at the chain’s Seekonk store, collaborated with Steve Oliveira, manager of Wareham's Home Depot.

Trust President Wayne Mattson said he was grateful for Home Depot’s help. The trust is looking forward to taking a more prominent role with the property.

“It has been our goal to bring it back into the fore front of places in Marion that are there for the enjoyment of the public and youth,” Mattson said. The trust was formed to promote youth groups devoted to building character and good citizenship in Marion children, according to Mattson.

Trust members plan to have the stand available for user groups from April 1 through Nov. 1. So far, the windows have been replaced and upgrades to the building’s electrical and plumbing systems have been made. Anyone interested in renting the stand is encouraged to contact the Washburn Memorial Trust: Washburn Memorial Trust, P.O. Box 281 Marion, MA, 02738.