Tim Scott: Why the Rec Path matters

A group from the Gibson Center disembarks from their van and heads north on the smooth paved path, some in wheelchairs and some with walkers, but everyone safely enjoying simply being out of doors.

Mothers and fathers push strollers, chatting quietly while admiring the view. Joggers make their daily round trip not once having to watch for passing cars. And from time to time, even rollerbladers and skateboarders will whisk along the path on a beautiful summer day.

All of these experiences are coming into view, and it is quite a sight to see.

Here is a parkway for people instead of cars.

Over the past 20 or so years, the people of the Mount Washington Valley have dreamed up, and then voluntarily created, so many new things for people to do.

Whether for residents or visitors, there is no shortage of all-season activities to add to the pleasant experience of being in our widely famous mountain destination.

Seasoned bicyclists and hikers have an abundance of opportunities to get out of their cars and into the wild, thanks to both the town of Conway and the state of New Hampshire.

And many of the things that people can now do exist because a group of people found something was missing and brought it to life. Such is the alchemy of local philanthropy.

They say it takes a valley, and in this light it is easy to see how we’ve come to care for one and all. In chronological order, the Ham Arena, the Gibson Center additions, the Conway Area Humane Society, the Tin Mountain Conservation Center, the Mount Washington Observatory Museum, the North Conway Community Center, and the soon-to-be-opened New England Ski Museum and Mountain Top Music all were designed to add something deeply valuable if not always measurable, to our way of life.

Each of these amenities, along with many, many more, serve us and our visitors in remarkable ways. The same will be true for us as the Mount Washington Valley Trail Association’s North Conway Recreation and Transportation path comes to fruition early next year. Just the first section of what will one day be a much longer trail, this local path serves as its backbone and will readily connect the most populous parts of our valley.

When my son was little, I taught him to ride his bike in the Story Land parking lot, and only later on the smooth trails up at Great Glen.

But today, where do we safely take our little ones to enjoy the outdoors on their bikes? Even the bike lanes on our roadways, while carefully and thoughtfully designed, can’t protect us from a distracted driver.

And where can we take grandma who once climbed all the 4,000 footers but now relies on a wheelchair to move about?

Our modern valley was created from a love for and ready access to the outdoors, and our economy relies heavily on those who come here to take part. Even with all we have to do, we’re missing an important amenity, indeed.

So imagine a summer morning with the mists rising off Puddin Pond and the sun just cresting the peak of Mount Cranmore.

Imagine small pockets of people leaving their cars at the Hemlock lot and setting out on the nearly 6-mile round trip as they begin their day. They may walk or bike or push a carriage or chair, and along the way they’ll pause to enjoy benches and trail signs that share the stories of the history and ecology of what they will see. They may stop at Cranmore, or slip into the village for lunch, before heading south and back to their cars. Not once will simply being safe cross their minds.

This bright future is just around the bend. Once again, thanks to a small group of dedicated people, our valley will find the money to bring this amenity to life at last. And, thanks to so many of you, the parkway for people is almost here.

Tim Scott is a Jackson-based writer and consultant who helps non-profits thrive.