Planning

Phase 2 is a northward 2.2-mile extension of the existing rec path, from Cranmore to Intervale Scenic Vista. Phase 2 will look exactly like the existing paved path from Hemlock Lane to Cranmore.

We have held over 12 publicly noticed hearings on the path through Whitaker Woods as the plan developed. The meetings were all duly noticed, open to the public and recorded by Valley Vision. Every step has been fully transparent and open for public comment.

Yes!

The path will skirt the northern border of the townland, entirely north of the powerline. The great majority of Whitaker Woods will remain as it is today - this is a single paved path, among 25 other dirt and woodchipped paths that will remain the same.

MWVTA and the town have done years of work getting public input and researching appropriate surfaces, starting in 2012. Through this process, MWVTA, the Town of Conway, planning staff and the board of selectmen opted to create a single-paved recreational path from the Fryeburg line to the Bartlett line in Intervale, as an entry-level and accessible backbone of our wider dirt trail network. Paving ensures accessible public paths for everyone, including those with mobility challenges or who use mobility aids. Our outreach shows people prefer paved paths for their stability and familiarity. Additionally, federal grants mandate ADA compliance and a 20-year lifespan, which is best achieved with pavement.

The section of this paved path through Whitaker Woods was first approved by the board of selectmen and the conservation commission in 2014, and the selectmen applied for funding for this paved section in 2014. At the April town meeting in 2015, the citizens of Conway voted to allow the selectmen to apply for any grant funding to be used to construct the path in Whitaker Woods. The original source of funding was not approved by the granting agency in 2014. The MWVTA was finally able to obtain funding for the project in 2022, with the support of the selectmen. This funding was based upon a realignment of the path corridor to move out of the most heavily used area of Whitaker Woods, and locate the path on the northern perimeter. The final location of the path was set on a site walk with town staff, members of the Conservation Commission, and members of the public. Ensuring the integrity of Whitaker Woods and its deed restriction. When the Town acquired Whitaker Woods using Federal Bureau of Outdoor Recreation grant funds, the deed included a restriction to maintain the land "in a wild and natural state" for public recreation. This single-paved path in Whitaker Woods offers an accessible route for all users, aligning with both the goals of public access and the preservation of the natural environment. Whitaker Woods is a public park for everyone, regardless of ability or preferred activity. This paved path continues that legacy of inclusive access in Whitaker Woods, as the property’s history includes modifications to support various user groups, such as widening and grading paths for skiing and snowshoeing.

The town voted in 2015 to authorize the selectmen to apply for grants related to Whitaker Woods, and since then, MWVTA and the town have followed the legal process, including over 12 public hearings and final approvals in 2022 and 2023. The objections have been heard and considered, but the project, a single accessible pathway, has been upheld. Putting the matter on the 2025 town warrant would risk losing over $300,000 already spent on design, as well as the remaining $700,000 in CDW funding and $2.2 million in EDA grants, not to mention years of progress by the association and its partners.

Under the existing 2015 agreement between MWVTA and the Town, MWVTA will be responsible for maintaining the trail unless the Town decides to take ownership and maintenance of the trail as it did for Phase 1 of the Rec Path.

The project is projected to cost $3,200,000 including design, engineering, and construction. $1,000,000 has been donated by the Connie Davis Watson Foundation and $2,200,000 was granted through an Economic Development grant. Town of Conway property taxes will not be used to construct the path.

Pedestrian safety issues, environmental review, ground disturbance, parking matters and appropriate rail crossings are all being handled by licensed professional engineers at HEB Engineering, overseen at all times by town engineering staff and appropriate permitting authorities.

Yes. This plan outlines the existing trails, maintenance programs and proposed projects.