|
#WhitakerisforEveryone - A Rec Path for All
Photo credit: Corey David Photography
Attention MWV Rec Path supporters, we need your help to complete Phase 2 of the project, extending the Rec Path 2.2 miles from Cranmore to the Scenic Vista in Intervale, including a 1-mile segment in Whitaker Woods.
.
This new segment will be paved and ADA-accessible. Since opening, the Rec Path has been enjoyed by our entire community, from families with children in strollers or on strider bikes, to the elderly and community members requiring mobility aids to recreate. It is truly one path for the use of all in our community.
The concept of a single paved Rec Path as a backbone of our wider trail network has been the public mission of the Trails Association for almost 15 years. It was developed in conjunction with Planning Staff and the development of the Town Master Trails Plan.
A paved section of the Rec Path in Whitaker was first approved in 2014, after multiple public hearings, a community hearing, a Tele-Talk, and a Town Meeting vote. After completing Phase 1, the Whitaker section of the path was moved to the outside perimeter of the Woods to minimize fragmentation. This new location was approved by the Town in 2022.
The Town has been an active participant in the design and development of the Project since 2022, and a public walk with members of Town Staff, MWVTA, the Conservation Commission, and the public was conducted in 2023 to solidify the route of the paved path through Whitaker.
However, a small but vocal minority has begun protesting the paving and location of this segment, and have asked the Town to revisit its approval either through the Selectmen or via a possible Town vote to override the Town’s approvals. Because of this, we have been asked to appear before the Board of Selectmen for a hearing, which may include a vote on revoking approval of Phase 2 and sending it to Town Meeting.
Key Points
- Whitaker Woods is a public park meant for everyone, including those with disabilities or who require mobility aids.
- Only 1 mile out of the 10 miles of trails will be paved, leaving ample options for those who prefer unpaved surfaces.
- The trail design does not conflict with the conservation easement on Whitaker Woods, which was placed by the Federal Bureau of Outdoor Recreation when it provided the funds for the Town’s purchase of Whitaker Woods from Chubby Whitaker.
Why Your Support Matters
Any substantial change to the approved plan (including a revocation of approval for paving or a substantial relocation) will likely stop the Project. It also will likely result in losing the $2.2 million federal grant and the $300,000 already spent on the design, as well as the return of the remaining $700,000 from the Connie Davis Watson Foundation, which are specific to Phase 2 as approved. No taxpayer dollars have been used.
How to Help
Show up in person at the Dec. 3, 4pm Selectmen's Meeting at Conway Town Hall and state your support for Phase 2. Let them know how you have personally benefited from and enjoyed the path and why it is important to keep it paved. We want the Selectboard to approve the project that day as previously permitted, rather than allow a protracted process and town vote.
If you cannot attend, please email your letter of support before December 3 by emailing the Board of Selectmen ℅ Krista Day at kday@conwaynh.org or Chris Meier at ctmeier@gmail.com. Your letter will be presented at the meeting.
A strong presence, especially from Conway residents, is essential. Please join us in saving Phase 2 of the Rec Path.
Thank you,
MWVTA Board of Directors
| 
