Tele-Talk responses: Do you agree with the Conway selectmen’s decision not to let Tunnels to Towers use the Rec Path? (copy)

Conway selectmen recently denied a request by the Tunnels to Towers 5K road race to let 150 walkers and runners use some of the Rec Path for a couple of hours on July 11. The race raises money for the Tunnel to Towers Foundation, established after 9/11 to honor a New York City firefighter who died in the terror attack. Selectmen Mary Seavey, Peter Donohoe and Steve Porter voted against allowing the race to use the Rec Path, saying it would interfere with others’ enjoyment of the path and could pose a safety concern for other users. John Colbath wanted to allow it, saying it is a safer alternative to using the road. As a result of the selectmen’s decision, the race will use its regular route.

There were 37 responses via email, voicemail and Facebook to this week’s Tele-Talk question: Do you agree with the Conway selectmen’s decision not to let Tunnels to Towers use the Rec Path?

I think it would be a great, and safer, opportunity. A few years ago I had the privilege of being asked to hand paint corn hole boards for an auction items for the Tunnel to Towers event. What an honor.

I think it might be a liability issue. A roadway is “use at your own risk.”

Events like this are good and as a bonus bring awareness to places like the Rec Path. I am shocked by the decision.

Ryan Shepard, do you have any input on this decision? I’m sure there was a reason, most likely being liability as stated by Chris Fournier.

After reading all the comments, I have to agree with their reasoning. There is more room on the road for that many runners, compared to a narrower Rec Path, where people can get hurt. Plus, there has always been enough police presence to keep the runners safe on the road.

I listened to that meeting. Conway Police Department spoke about it and explained that the current route works well. Conway Police Department has safety under control. The race is still on.

It's only March. There is ample time to announce the race on the Rec Path. It's not an all-day event. It seems to me that most folks would be very supportive of this wonderful 5K. But sure, let’s keep the runners on a less safe route that also interrupts pedestrian and traffic flow, not just a few dogs walking their owners or some visitors who could find a myriad of other activities for a few hours.

This is Ryan Shepard, I wasn't at this meeting, but proceeded to watch the discussion on Valley Vision (through the website). If you skip ahead to 1:04:54 in the meeting, Police Chief Mattei explains the current route as it exists, which has worked well for policing and logistics. From what I can tell of the meeting, the bigger concern with using the Rec Path is that the request was to have the 5K run both ways on the path, over the course of up to an hour and a half. That could be a logistical mess depending on turnout. But, as I am not a race director, I don't totally know. As a former runner, I know I personally would rather run on a wider road than a narrower path. For people to insinuate that the reason the other selectmen voted against this is because of political reasons, that's highly disappointing to read. Every board member who voted is not only patriotic, but also spoke highly of the Tunnels to Towers program. You can hear them say that when you watch the footage of the meeting. I'd ask that those unhappy with the call should watch the meeting from 1:04:00 to around 1:13:00 and gain more clarity. If you still continue to have concerns or misgivings about the select board making this decision, I encourage you to attend our next meeting on March 10.

And a safer run too.

The Rec Path was built for walking, biking, strolling baby carriages. Not racing. Usually when there are road races of any kind, they have police escort which makes it safer for them.

Rec Path is safer, less disruptive, and shows off this valley's beauty. Notifying Rec Path users race day and days leading up to the race should be doable with signage at Rec Path’s limited access points, social postings, and Conway Daily Sun’s race ads. The cause is well worth a few complaints to town hall or a few minutes of inconvenience for those on the path that day. As a dog walker on the Rec Path, I would enjoy seeing ir used for such an event and the runners pass by me.

I do not understand their decision and I thank Selectman John Colbath for voting to allow it, it is a safer option and how wonderful for anyone who may be on the rec path or decide to recognize the meaning of this event.

Bad decision that should be reviewed by the selectmen for a wonderful event and I’m sure Connie Watson would want the path to be used to support this.

Nothing was said in the meeting about a liability issue. It was stated they didn’t know how it would affect local users on the trail system when there are 150 on the trail system. It’s public property and open to the public with no laws stating who and who cannot use it. It’s micro management. The only way one cannot use it is if there is a restraining order for do not trespass or they bring it to a public vote. When it was developed there was no ordinance or rule, and if a group wanted to use it just the selectman would be notified. Open a door for future lawsuits if a company or organization or a group of people wanted to use it. Pay attention at 1:39 seconds. It’s non-enforceable. It was a vote to deny on something that is not enforceable.

I stand with Conway's decision. Let the good people of New York fundraise for their own.

No, I do not agree with that decision. Using the recommended path would increase safety for the runners.

No, I absolutely do not agree with that decision. Why would you allow them to run on a small piece of the road with vehicles everywhere, vs. the Rec Path which is made for running and walking? It would only be for two hours and it's for a good cause. How could you not get behind that? Bad decision after bad decision.

Who could agree with this? It would be closed for less than a day? It makes absolutely no sense. The entire race should be on the path. Why not? It’s public property.

Won't let them use the Rec Path because they feel it will interfere with people's enjoyment. But hell they let the crazy cat ladies gather at the four corners. To disrupt and delay traffic. Which then disrupts my enjoyment of driving.

I think it’s bull.

That decision is odd. Tunnel to Towers is a fantastic group. The Rec Path is by far safer than the highway. The Rec Path seems to be only for a few to use. Poor choice for federal and state money.

A couple of hours and they denied them. That’s horrible. I'm sorry. It should be an honor to support Tunnel to Towers. 

It should be on the road as it always has been — 150 people ripping through. Can you imagine the regular folks' dogs chasing all the runners? Will not end well.

People in power don't care about people under them. Open your eyes.

Thanks for the support of the sacrifices made on Sept. 11. How soon everyone has forgotten. Great look Conway. A lot of our local officials have lost their way unfortunately. I suppose using the road isn't bad.

I guess the selectmen don't support our veterans. They should have found a way. Terrible decision.

No! Tunnels to Towers is a fantastic organization. Eleven dollars a month provides homes and now apartments for our veterans. What the heck is wrong with people? They should be ashamed of themselves.

Maybe there are a handful of people on that path at the same time. Clearly politically motivated. Guess you didn’t have friends killed on 9/11 or the never ending aftermath.

That is despicable. Why would you refuse to allow this excellent organization to raise funds for such a great cause? Shame on them!

No surprise there are those who have lost "sight" of 9/11

I'd like to think that you folks have sealed your fate for the next election, but I always underestimate people's memory. You should look into that charity before you decide, yeah, we're not going to let you use Rec Path or something like that. That's pretty simple stuff. There are charities out there that aren't worth the time of day. Am I understanding this is not one of them? You should be looking into some of that. And please stop trying to hide behind, “OMG it's not safe.” Because everybody's tired of that nonsense.

I think that excuse is bull. There are many towns that have races that close roads off temporarily, so the race can move ahead. So, let them race where it's easiest and safest. That's my opinion. — Gordon

I agree that the path should not be used for the road race. I am a member of another city that has 55 parks, 27 base ballfields, 14 softball fields. And we watch very carefully how these paths are used. Once you set a precedent, it's very hard to back up from that. And this is the right one.

To the three selectmen that voted against it. I'm looking forward to having a conversation with all three of them. That's a disgrace. They should be removed from office.

If there was any financial gain, I guarantee you that they would have allowed it. On the other hand, I do agree with their decision based on the fact that there's too much liability and disruption involved for locals that use that regularly and they've always run on the roadway.

That decision is just about as good as the Leavitt's sign decision. Great P.R. for the town. I hope this goes national news, too.

I have had the opportunity to participate in the Tunnel to Towers event for several years. It is a very well organized event for an excellent cause. In addition, it is a very patriotic event. It begins with a pledge of allegiance to our flag and National Anthem to honor veterans and first responders. As you come to the finish line, participants walk or run under a large USA flag. I wonder if it was denied, not for the flimsy excuses provided by the selectmen, but because the members are concerned about offending the left-leaning members of our community.

Why get all bent out of shape over a few people running on the Rec Path? That’s what it’s for. Stop complaining. This is Dave in North Conway.